Which insulin type provides basal coverage for approximately 24 hours?

Which insulin type provides basal coverage for approximately 24 hours?

• A. Short-acting
• B. Ultra-long-acting
• C. Niacin
• D. Long-acting

Answer: (D)

Basal insulin provides a steady background level of insulin to cover glucose between meals and overnight. The type designed to maintain roughly a 24-hour baseline is long-acting insulin. Short-acting insulin is used to cover meals and doesn’t provide background coverage throughout the day. Ultra-long-acting can last beyond a day, but the typical 24-hour basal coverage is associated with long-acting. Niacin is not an insulin and doesn’t provide basal coverage.

Basal insulin provides a steady background level of insulin to cover glucose between meals and overnight. The type designed to maintain roughly a 24-hour baseline is long-acting insulin. Short-acting insulin is used to cover meals and doesn’t provide background coverage throughout the day. Ultra-long-acting can last beyond a day, but the typical 24-hour basal coverage is associated with long-acting. Niacin is not an insulin and doesn’t provide basal coverage.