Table 1. Principal actions of insulin. Data from Ganong (2001).

Rapid (seconds)
Increased transport of glucose, amino acids, and K+ into insulin-sensitive cells 

Intermediate (minutes)

Stimulation of protein synthesis
Inhibition of protein degradation
Activation of glycolytic enzymes and glycogen synthase

Delayed (hours)
Increase in mRNAs for lipogenic and other enzymes