There are 2 broad types of insulin therapy. They are basal insulin, also called long-acting insulin, and meal-related or prandial or short-acting insulin.
All insulins must be given by injection, because it cannot be absorbed through the intestines. Basal insulin is typically injected once or twice daily. There is also one type of basal insulin that only needs to be injected once weekly. The main role of basal insulin is to control the glucose levels when someone is not eating, such as overnight and when fasting. When it is injected, a predictable, basal level of insulin is maintained in the blood. The table below lists the brands of basal insulin that are available in Canada.
Brands of Basal Insulin Available in Canada (as of October 2025)
Prandial or meal insulin is injected 10-30 minutes before the meal. The purpose of these injections is to prevent glucose levels from going too high after a meal. The goal is to mimic the rise in insulin levels that occurs after meals in people without diabetes. After injection of these insulins, levels of insulin in the blood rise fairly quickly to cover the rises in glucose due to the meal. Most of the effect is gone approximately 2-3 hours after injection. The table below lists the brands of prandial insulins that are available in Canada.
Brands of Prandial Insulin Available in Canada (as of October 2025)
People with type 1 diabetes need to take both basal and prandial insulin injections unless they are using an insulin pump. Such a device contains only short-acting insulin which flows just under the skin and provides insulin that has both a basal and a prandial effect. Many people with type 2 diabetes may just need basal insulin. However, some also need to use prandial insulin.
The most important message is that insulin is safe. Indeed, it can be lifesaving for some people with diabetes. Its major side effect is hypoglycemia if too much is given, which is why it should always be used in consultation with a healthcare provider.
About the author
Hertzel Gerstein
Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.
