Which type of insulin is commonly loaded into an insulin pump?

Rapid-acting insulin is commonly used in insulin pumps because it is designed to mimic the body's natural insulin response to meals. This type of insulin has a quick onset of action, typically beginning to work within 15 minutes, peaking at around 1 to 2 hours, and lasting for a few hours. The rapid action allows for more precise control of blood glucose levels, especially during meals, making it ideal for patients using an insulin pump, which allows for continuous subcutaneous delivery of insulin.

Using rapid-acting insulin in pumps enables users to administer bolus doses to cover mealtime carbohydrate intake effectively while also providing a basal rate for background insulin needs. This flexibility is essential for managing diabetes, as it allows for adjustments based on dietary intake and blood glucose readings.

Other types of insulin, such as ultra long-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting insulins, are generally not used in insulin pumps due to their longer duration and less predictable effects, which do not align with the need for rapid glucose control that the pump is designed to provide.