When is glargine insulin typically administered?

• A. Once daily at bedtime
• B. Twice daily with meals
• C. Before each meal
• D. In the morning

Answer: (A)

Glargine is a long-acting basal insulin with a flat, peakless action that lasts about 24 hours. Because it provides steady insulin levels over the day, it is given once daily to maintain base-level insulin without the peaks that come with short- or rapid-acting insulins. Administering it at bedtime is a common practice because it helps ensure consistent basal coverage overnight, reducing nocturnal hyperglycemia and aligning the dose with a fasting state.

If you think about the other options, injections before meals or with meals are typical for rapid-acting or regular insulin used to control postprandial glucose, not for a basal insulin. Taking it in the morning could be used in some regimens, but the standard approach for a long-acting basal like glargine is once daily at a consistent time, commonly at bedtime.