What kind of insulin typically covers a basal need?

Long-acting insulin is specifically designed to provide a basal level of insulin in the body, ensuring a steady release that helps manage blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. This type of insulin typically has a gradual onset and lasts for an extended period, often up to 24 hours or more, depending on the specific formulation. The purpose of long-acting insulin is to maintain a baseline level of insulin that can effectively control glucose production by the liver, thus mimicking the body’s natural insulin production between meals and overnight.

Rapid-acting, short-acting, and intermediate-acting insulins, while useful in managing blood glucose, are primarily used for controlling blood sugar spikes that occur during meals. They do not have the sustained release characteristics associated with long-acting insulin, making them insufficient for meeting basal insulin requirements on their own.