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Multiple Choice

In diabetic ketoacidosis management, which insulin therapy is typically used?

In diabetic ketoacidosis, you need rapid, controllable insulin to halt ketone production and correct hyperglycemia while the patient is fluid-resuscitated. An intravenous infusion of regular insulin provides immediate, predictable insulin effect and allows precise titration to target glucose and resolve acidosis. The IV route is essential here because the patient is often dehydrated and vomiting, making subcutaneous absorption unreliable and slower. Subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin would not deliver the steady, dose-adjustable effect needed in the acute phase. Nasal or oral insulin are not effective for rapid correction in DKA due to poor bioavailability and delayed onset. Thus, intravenous regular insulin is the standard choice for managing DKA.

In diabetic ketoacidosis, you need rapid, controllable insulin to halt ketone production and correct hyperglycemia while the patient is fluid-resuscitated. An intravenous infusion of regular insulin provides immediate, predictable insulin effect and allows precise titration to target glucose and resolve acidosis. The IV route is essential here because the patient is often dehydrated and vomiting, making subcutaneous absorption unreliable and slower. Subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin would not deliver the steady, dose-adjustable effect needed in the acute phase. Nasal or oral insulin are not effective for rapid correction in DKA due to poor bioavailability and delayed onset. Thus, intravenous regular insulin is the standard choice for managing DKA.