What type of insulin is typically given at the time of meals?

Rapid-acting insulin is typically administered at mealtimes because it is designed to mimic the natural insulin response to food intake. This type of insulin starts to work within minutes after injection, peaking in action about 1 to 2 hours later, and continues to affect blood sugar levels for a few hours. This allows for precise control of blood glucose levels in response to the carbohydrate content of the meal being consumed.

In contrast, long-acting insulin is formulated to provide a steady level of insulin over an extended period, making it unsuitable for immediate meal-related glucose changes. Intermediate-acting insulin has a delayed onset and longer duration of action compared to rapid-acting forms, which also limits its usefulness in managing post-meal blood sugar spikes. Short-acting insulin does act more quickly than intermediate options but does not reach the onset speed or peak effect necessary for optimal meal coverage as rapid-acting insulin does.

Thus, due to its quick onset and ability to manage rising blood glucose levels effectively during and after meals, rapid-acting insulin is the preferred choice for administration at mealtimes.