Which of the following represents very long acting insulin?

The correct answer identifies Glargine and Detemir as very long-acting insulins. These insulins are designed to provide a steady release of insulin over an extended period, typically lasting up to 24 hours or more. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for maintaining basal insulin levels in people with diabetes, helping to control blood glucose levels consistently throughout the day and night.

Glargine, for instance, has a neutral pH, which allows it to form microprecipitates after injection, leading to a slow and prolonged absorption. Detemir also has a unique formulation that allows for a consistent release of insulin, further emphasizing its long-acting nature.

In contrast, the other options refer to insulins that do not offer the same long-acting effects. NPH and Lente are classified as intermediate-acting insulins, which provide coverage for a shorter duration. Regular insulin is a short-acting form, and Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin, both of which are intended for mealtime glucose control rather than for baseline insulin requirements. Thus, identifying Glargine and Detemir as the very long-acting insulins is essential for understanding insulin management in diabetes treatment.