Which of the following insulins is appropriate for the basal component of a basal-bolus regimen?

In a basal-bolus regimen, the goal is to mimic the natural insulin secretion of the pancreas in individuals with diabetes. This approach consists of two components: basal insulin and bolus insulin. The basal component provides a steady level of insulin to control blood glucose levels throughout the day and overnight.

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is specifically designed to provide a consistent baseline level of insulin, making it ideal for basal coverage in a basal-bolus regimen. Its pharmacokinetic profile allows for a prolonged duration of action, offering stable insulin levels with less risk of hypoglycemia compared to shorter-acting insulins.

On the other hand, the other insulins listed, such as insulin aspart and insulin lispro, are rapid-acting insulins used primarily for mealtime bolus doses to manage postprandial glucose spikes. Regular insulin, although it has a longer duration than the rapid-acting insulins, is not as effective for basal control as insulin glargine, because it does not provide the same flat, prolonged glucose-lowering effect over an entire 24-hour period.

Thus, insulin glargine’s characteristics make it the appropriate choice for the basal component of a basal-bolus regimen