BACKGROUND: Post-prandial insulin secretion occurs under physiological conditions very fast and in adequate concentrations. This mechanism is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe increases of postprandial glucose levels may occur. In order to achieve physiological conditions and to avoid postprandial hyperglycemia, exogenous insulin and insulin analogues should be absorbed very fast and appropriate maximum concentrations should be reached very quickly.METHOD: Overview RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The development of new bolus insulins is focused on improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Not only new pharmaceutical formulations, but also different application sites and systems have been investigated. The latest innovations resulted in even faster acting insulins, which may offer patients improved postprandial glucose control and greater flexibility regarding meal planning.