Which type of insulin is known for having no peak and is long-acting?

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is designed to provide a steady level of insulin over an extended period without a pronounced peak. One of its key characteristics is that it maintains consistent blood glucose levels throughout the day, which is crucial for patients needing stable insulin control, particularly those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The unique formulation of insulin glargine allows it to dissolve slowly after injection, resulting in a prolonged absorption rate that can last up to 24 hours or more. This makes it particularly beneficial for maintaining basal insulin levels.

Other types of insulin have different properties; for example, insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin, meaning it has a quick onset and a peak effect, making it suitable for controlling blood glucose levels around meal times. Human regular insulin also has a peak effect and is generally of shorter duration than glargine. NPH insulin, classified as intermediate-acting, has a peak and is not as long-acting as glargine, which means that it is typically administered multiple times a day to manage blood glucose levels effectively.

Thus, insulin glargine is the optimal choice for achieving long-lasting insulin effects without a peak, offering stable coverage for managing diabetes.