What is the primary role of basal insulin in a basal-bolus regimen?

• A. To cover fasting glucose.
• B. To cover meals.
• C. To treat hypoglycemia.
• D. To replace glucagon.

Answer: (A)

Basal insulin provides the steady background level of insulin the body needs when you’re not eating. Its main job is to keep fasting and between-meal glucose in the target range by suppressing hepatic glucose production during those periods. In a basal-bolus regimen, the bolus insulin is the one you take with meals to cover the rise in glucose from eating, and it also helps correct post-meal glucose. Basal insulin isn’t used to treat low blood sugar or to replace other hormones like glucagon, which is used in severe hypoglycemia. So the primary role of basal insulin is to cover fasting glucose and maintain a stable baseline.