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Intermediate-acting insulin is designed to provide a stable level of insulin for a more extended period than short-acting insulins. Insulin NPH is classified as intermediate-acting due to its onset, peak, and duration characteristics.

Insulin NPH typically starts working within 1 to 3 hours after injection, usually reaches its peak effect between 4 to 12 hours, and can last for approximately 12 to 18 hours. This profile makes it suitable for controlling blood sugar levels throughout the day, often used in combination with rapid or short-acting insulins to manage postprandial blood glucose levels.

In contrast, Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin designed for mealtime blood sugar control, with a quick onset and short duration. Insulin Glargine and Insulin Detemir are long-acting insulins that provide a steady release of insulin over a 24-hour period or longer, making them suitable for basal insulin needs rather than the intermediate action required for specific glucose control scenarios during the day. Thus, Insulin NPH stands out as the best example of intermediate-acting insulin within this context.