Which short-acting insulin is commonly prescribed for meal times in children with type 1 diabetes?

The choice of lispro (Humalog) as the short-acting insulin commonly prescribed for meal times in children with type 1 diabetes is based on its pharmacokinetic properties. Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that is designed to mimic the physiological insulin response to meals. It is characterized by a quicker onset of action, typically beginning to work within 15 minutes after administration, and it reaches its peak effect within 30 to 90 minutes. This timing aligns well with the needs of individuals during meal times, allowing for effective control of postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels.

By using rapid-acting insulins like lispro, healthcare providers can better manage blood glucose spikes that occur after eating, enabling more precise control, which is particularly critical for children managing type 1 diabetes. This flexibility is important for accommodating varying meal sizes and carbohydrate content, making lispro a preferred choice in pediatric diabetes management.

In contrast, the other insulins listed do not serve this immediate need effectively. For example, insulin glargine and insulin detemir are long-acting insulins that are used primarily to provide basal insulin coverage and maintain glucose levels throughout the day and night. Long-acting insulins are