They also tend to have a more reliable absorption curve. I take both Novolog (short acting) and Lantus (long acting), which are the newer insulins. Lantus has a more predictable long acting curve than the older L did, even though I take it in a 12 hour cycle. It rises not so much like a bell, but more like a plateau, I guess it a better analogy. At least for me. The L really was a pain for planning, especially when physical activity was involved, as it would shorten the bell curve.