When should insulin be administered in relation to meals?

Insulin should be administered before meals to effectively manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. This timing is crucial because insulin helps to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells after food intake. Administering insulin prior to meals allows the medication to start working as the carbohydrates from the meal begin to increase blood sugar levels.

When insulin is given too late, such as after meals, there may be a risk of elevated blood sugar levels because the insulin will not be present in sufficient amounts to counteract the rise in glucose from the food consumed. Similarly, giving insulin during meals could lead to miscalculations in timing and dosage, which may not effectively manage blood glucose. The option stating that insulin should only be given when blood sugar is high doesn’t reflect the proactive approach necessary in diabetes management; it's essential to anticipate the rise in blood sugar from food consumption.

Therefore, administering insulin before meals ensures that it is actively working when the blood sugar levels start to rise, promoting better glycemic control and reducing the risk of hyperglycemia.