Which statement about short-acting medications for diabetes is true?

Which statement about short-acting medications for diabetes is true?

• A. Short-acting medications should be used only in combination with other therapies.
• B. Short-acting medications are essential as sole therapy.
• C. Not recommended as sole treatment for diabetes.
• D. Short-acting medications are never used.

Answer: (C)

Diabetes management requires control of both fasting and post-meal glucose. Short-acting medications are designed to cover meals and blunt postprandial spikes, but they don’t provide a steady basal level of insulin to keep fasting glucose in check. Because of that, using them alone leaves fasting glucose unresolved and overall glycemic control inadequate. They’re most effective when used as part of a broader regimen—often alongside a longer-acting basal agent or other glucose-lowering therapies—along with lifestyle measures. That’s why the statement that they are not recommended as sole treatment is the best fit. The other options aren’t accurate: short-acting meds are used in practice, not never used, and they are not typically the sole therapy for diabetes.

Diabetes management requires control of both fasting and post-meal glucose. Short-acting medications are designed to cover meals and blunt postprandial spikes, but they don’t provide a steady basal level of insulin to keep fasting glucose in check. Because of that, using them alone leaves fasting glucose unresolved and overall glycemic control inadequate. They’re most effective when used as part of a broader regimen—often alongside a longer-acting basal agent or other glucose-lowering therapies—along with lifestyle measures. That’s why the statement that they are not recommended as sole treatment is the best fit. The other options aren’t accurate: short-acting meds are used in practice, not never used, and they are not typically the sole therapy for diabetes.