How long does very long acting insulin typically last in the body?

How long does very long acting insulin typically last in the body?

• A. 10 hours
• B. 16 hours
• C. 24 hours
• D. 36 hours

Answer: (C)

Very long-acting insulin is designed to provide a consistent and prolonged release of insulin into the bloodstream to help control blood sugar levels over an extended period. The most commonly used very long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine or insulin detemir, typically lasts around 24 hours. This extended duration of action allows for once-daily dosing in many patients, which can improve adherence to therapy and maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic profile of these insulins is characterized by a peakless profile, which means they do not exhibit a significant peak effect but rather provide a steady concentration of insulin over the dosing interval. This smooth action helps minimize risks of hypoglycemia compared to shorter-acting insulins that have a more pronounced peak. The other options reflect shorter durations of action that are characteristic of intermediate-acting or rapid-acting insulins, which do not align with the properties of very long-acting insulins. Therefore, 24 hours is the appropriate duration of action for very long-acting insulin, making it the correct answer.

Very long-acting insulin is designed to provide a consistent and prolonged release of insulin into the bloodstream to help control blood sugar levels over an extended period. The most commonly used very long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine or insulin detemir, typically lasts around 24 hours. This extended duration of action allows for once-daily dosing in many patients, which can improve adherence to therapy and maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.

Additionally, the pharmacokinetic profile of these insulins is characterized by a peakless profile, which means they do not exhibit a significant peak effect but rather provide a steady concentration of insulin over the dosing interval. This smooth action helps minimize risks of hypoglycemia compared to shorter-acting insulins that have a more pronounced peak.

The other options reflect shorter durations of action that are characteristic of intermediate-acting or rapid-acting insulins, which do not align with the properties of very long-acting insulins. Therefore, 24 hours is the appropriate duration of action for very long-acting insulin, making it the correct answer.