Which type of insulin should be administered when the food tray arrives?

Administering short-acting insulin when the food tray arrives is appropriate because short-acting insulin, also known as regular insulin, is designed to begin working relatively quickly — usually within 30 minutes to 1 hour after injection. This timing aligns with the consumption of a meal, allowing for effective management of blood glucose levels after eating.

In contrast, long-acting insulin is formulated to provide a steady release of insulin over a longer period, typically administered at the same time each day to maintain basal insulin levels, but it does not respond quickly enough to the immediate needs following a meal. Intermediate-acting insulin has a delayed onset and a longer duration, making it unsuitable for immediate post-meal insulin coverage. Combination insulin products contain both short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin but are less ideal for precise timing with food as they may not provide the rapid onset necessary for postprandial glucose control.

Therefore, the choice of short-acting insulin is ideal for ensuring that insulin is available at the time of food intake, aligning with the physiological needs of the body during digestion and absorption of nutrients.