Description
Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin. When it is injected subcutaneously (under the skin), insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels. It is used along with an intermediate or long-acting insulin to lower blood glucose levels for adults and children 2 years of age and older, with type 1 diabetes. It may also be used with other insulins and metformin to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Insulin aspart may be used to continuously deliver insulin subcutaneously, using certain insulin pumps.
Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps our body use or store the glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body’s requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream.
There are many different types of insulin and they are absorbed at different rates and work for varying periods of time. Insulin aspart starts working within 20 minutes after the injection, has its maximum effect between 1 hour and 3 hours, and stops working after 3 to 5 hours.
