| | Conditions & Treatments | Diabetes How long does it take for insulin to regulate your blood sugar? Insulin begins to lower blood sugar within minutes of injection. The maximum effect of rapid-acting insulin usually occurs within 1 to 2 hours. Diabetes - Related Articles Immobilization Protocol Side Effects of Lantus (Insulin Glargine) What Are the Dangers of Insulin Pumps? How to Get Cheap Contour Glucose Test Strips How to Maintain Your Blood Sugar Level How to Use an Ascensia Contour Monitor How to Maintain Blood Sugar with Type 2 Diabetes