What is a common characteristic of rapid acting insulin?

The characteristic that is accurate for rapid-acting insulin is its ability to be administered intravenously (IV). This form of insulin is designed to work quickly to reduce blood glucose levels, making it particularly useful in emergency situations, such as during diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic crises, where immediate action is required. Rapid acting insulins, such as aspart, lispro, and glulisine, have a quick onset of action, which allows for more flexible timing of doses in relation to meals.

In contrast, other characteristics are not associated with rapid-acting insulin. For example, this type of insulin typically has a clear appearance rather than being cloudy, which is more characteristic of intermediate or long-acting insulins. Additionally, rapid-acting insulins have a relatively short duration of action, lasting approximately 3 to 5 hours, rather than a long duration. While many insulins are indeed available only by prescription due to their potency and the need for careful management, this characteristic applies broadly to various types of insulin and is not exclusive to rapid-acting insulins.