What is the main action of long-acting insulin?

The primary action of long-acting insulin is to provide a steady release of insulin throughout the day. This consistent release is designed to maintain stable blood glucose levels over an extended period, typically up to 24 hours, which helps manage blood sugar levels particularly for individuals with diabetes who need insulin regulation beyond meal times.

Long-acting insulin forms a vital component of a diabetes management plan, allowing for the control of baseline blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Unlike rapid or short-acting insulins that are specifically intended to lower blood glucose levels quickly in response to meals, long-acting insulin doesn’t fluctuate much, thus ensuring that insulin is available for metabolic processes consistently throughout the day and night. This is why it is often used in conjunction with other types of insulin to provide a comprehensive management strategy for blood glucose control.