Insulin (medication) cover meals (bolus also known as mealtime or prandial insulin). Maintaining the basal rate and the bolus rate is a continuous balancing act that people with insulin-dependent diabetes must manage each day. This is normally achieved through regular blood tests, although continuous blood sugar testing equipment (Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs) are now becoming available which could help to refine this balancing act once widespread usage becomes common. A long-acting insulin is used to approximate the basal secretion of insulin by the pancreas, which varies in the course of the day. NPH/isophane, lente, ultralente, glargine, and detemir may be used
Insulin lispro for postprandial glucose control. It has a shortened delay of onset, allowing slightly more flexibility than regular insulin, which requires a longer waiting period before starting a meal after injection. Both preparations should be coupled with a longer acting insulin (e.g. NPH insulin) or an insulin infusion pump for good glycemic control. Insulin lispro is an FDA approved drug used to treat people living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Insulin lispro has non-FDA labeled uses for diabetic neuropathy prevention and cardiovascular disease prevention. Common side effects include skin irritation at the site of injection, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and