A 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes is switched from NPH insulin twice daily to a basal insulin analog (glargine/detemir). Which advantage does NPH insulin LACK compared to these analogs?

• A Ability to control fasting blood glucose
• B Requirement for refrigeration during storage
• C Subcutaneous route of administration
• D Peakless 24-hour basal coverage with lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia ✓

Explanation

NPH insulin has a pronounced peak (4-6 hours after injection) and variable absorption, leading to higher nocturnal hypoglycemia risk. Insulin glargine and detemir provide relatively peakless basal coverage. Both NPH and analogs are given subcutaneously, require refrigeration, and control fasting glucose, but NPH's peak is its key disadvantage.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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