What characteristic of regular insulin makes it suitable for intravenous infusion in diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Rapid onset of action with short duration
• B. Long-acting basal effect
• C. Not effective intravenously
• D. Only subcutaneous use

Answer: (A)

In diabetic ketoacidosis you need insulin that acts quickly and can be controlled precisely to stop hyperglycemia and ketosis. Regular insulin given by IV infusion has a rapid onset and a short, manageable duration, which lets clinicians titrate the dose in real time based on blood glucose and acid-base status. This contrasts with long-acting basal insulins, whose effects are prolonged and not easily adjustable, making them unsuitable for IV use in an acute setting. Regular insulin is compatible with IV administration and is the form typically used for IV therapy in DKA, whereas insulins that are only subcutaneous or not effective IV are not appropriate choices.