Intermediate acting (NPH) peak is typically:

Intermediate acting (NPH) peak is typically:

• A. in 4 hours
• B. 2-3 hours
• C. 6-8 hours
• D. 12-16 hours

Answer: (A)

Understanding insulin action timing is essential here. Intermediate-acting insulin (NPH) has a slower onset and a pronounced peak later than regular insulin because it is absorbed from a protamine complex. The typical pattern is onset about 1–2 hours after injection, with the peak occurring around 6–8 hours, and a total duration of roughly 12–16 hours. So the time when its strongest effect is expected is about 6–8 hours after dosing. The 4-hour option would be earlier than the usual peak for NPH (more like a peak you’d expect with regular insulin), while 2–3 hours is too soon for a peak, and 12–16 hours describes duration rather than peak. Variability exists among individuals, but 6–8 hours is the standard expectation for NPH peak.

Understanding insulin action timing is essential here. Intermediate-acting insulin (NPH) has a slower onset and a pronounced peak later than regular insulin because it is absorbed from a protamine complex. The typical pattern is onset about 1–2 hours after injection, with the peak occurring around 6–8 hours, and a total duration of roughly 12–16 hours. So the time when its strongest effect is expected is about 6–8 hours after dosing. The 4-hour option would be earlier than the usual peak for NPH (more like a peak you’d expect with regular insulin), while 2–3 hours is too soon for a peak, and 12–16 hours describes duration rather than peak. Variability exists among individuals, but 6–8 hours is the standard expectation for NPH peak.