Glargine is

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

ISRO Pharmacist Previous Year Question paper 2017

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Peakless insulin

Rationale:

Glargine is a long-acting insulin analog that is designed to provide a steady level of insulin over an extended period. Unlike other types of insulin that have peaks in their action, glargine has no pronounced peak, hence it is known as "peakless" insulin.
The main advantage of glargine being peakless is that it helps to maintain a consistent blood glucose level, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia compared to insulins that have pronounced peaks in their action.
Glargine is typically administered once daily, providing basal insulin coverage for 24 hours, making it convenient for patients to maintain their blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.

Explanation of Other Options:

Short acting insulin

Rationale: Short-acting insulins, such as regular insulin, start to work within 30 minutes to an hour and have a peak effect around 2-4 hours after injection. They are typically used to manage blood sugar spikes after meals.

Intermediate acting insulin

Rationale: Intermediate-acting insulins, like NPH insulin, have an onset of 1-2 hours and a peak effect around 4-12 hours. They are often used to provide basal insulin coverage but have a noticeable peak that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Oral insulin

Rationale: Oral insulin is a concept currently under research and development. Insulin is traditionally injected because it is a protein that would be broken down by digestive enzymes if taken orally. Thus, currently, there are no widely available oral insulin formulations.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, glargine being "peakless insulin" is the correct answer. It provides a consistent level of insulin over 24 hours, making it effective for maintaining stable blood glucose levels with a lower risk of hypoglycemia. Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins have peaks in their action, and oral insulin is not yet a practical or widely available option.

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