Difference Between Apidra & Humalog

Apidra and Humalog are both types of fast-acting insulin that are used by diabetics as a bolus dose to cover the carbohydrates eaten during a meal or snack. They can both also be used in an insulin pump. While both types of insulin work to lower blood sugar quickly, certain individuals respond better to one than the other.

Time Frame

• Ohio State University Medical Center suggests that you take Humalog insulin no more than 15 minutes after eating, but extends the amount of time you can wait to inject Apidra after a meal to 20 minutes.

Onset

• Apidra starts working to bring down blood sugar levels 20 minutes after injection. Humalog begins lowering blood sugar 5 to 10 minutes after injection.

Duration

• Apidra peaks (or works the hardest) between 34 and 90 minutes after injection. Humalog takes between one and two hours after injection to peak.

Effectiveness

• Since Apidra peaks faster than Humalog, it can lower high blood sugar levels faster, meaning you spend less time with high glucose levels. This can positively impact (as in, lower) A1c test results, which measure the average blood glucose level for the past three months.

Usage in Insulin Pumps

• Some insulin pump users have experienced fewer clogged tubing/reservoir incidents with Apidra than with Humalog.