intermediate-acting insulin [L, inter + mediare, to divide, activus, active] , a preparation of synthetic human or pork insulin to which zinc has been added under specific chemical conditions that has an intermediate range of action. Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin starts to work about 60 to 90 minutes after injection, peaks 4 to 12 hours after injection, and lasts about 18 hours. Lente Insulin has a similar action time. Compare long-acting insulin, short-acting insulin. See also insulin.
