Peak time

Definition

Peak time is the period when a drug reaches its maximum therapeutic effect in the body. For diabetes medications, this indicates when insulin or non-insulin injectables are most effective at lowering blood glucose levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Peak time for rapid-acting insulin is typically 1 to 2 hours after injection.
2. Regular (short-acting) insulin has a peak time of about 2 to 3 hours post-administration.
3. Intermediate-acting insulins reach their peak effect around 4 to 12 hours after injection.
4. Long-acting insulins do not have a pronounced peak but are designed to maintain steady blood glucose levels over an extended period.
5. Knowing the peak time of an injectable diabetes drug helps in planning meals and activities to avoid hypoglycemia.

Review Questions

• What is the typical peak time range for rapid-acting insulin?
• Why is it important for nurses to understand the peak times of diabetic drugs?
• How does the peak time of long-acting insulin differ from that of short-acting insulin?

Related terms

Onset Time: The duration it takes for a drug to start working after administration.

Duration of Action: The total length of time a drug continues to have a therapeutic effect.

Hypoglycemia:

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, often caused by excessive insulin or delays in meal timing.