Final answer:
Rapid-acting insulin is used in conjunction with meals to manage increases in blood glucose levels by aiding the transport and storage of glucose, decreasing blood glucose levels post-meal especially in individuals with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
Step-by-step explanation:
Rapid-acting insulin is commonly given in conjunction with meals to manage the spike in blood glucose levels that occurs after eating. The primary goal of this insulin therapy is to mimic the body's natural response to food intake by quickly reducing blood sugar levels after consuming a large or high-glucose meal. Therefore, rapid-acting insulin is combined with a meal to help transport and store glucose, effectively decreasing blood glucose levels post-meal.
In individuals with type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, it is essential for managing their condition. According to Graph-A, this type of insulin injection in a healthy person or someone with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) will cause the blood glucose level to decrease due to the action of insulin aiding glucose uptake by cells. The level then slowly rises due to the counter-regulatory hormone glucagon, returning to normal within about 2.5 hours.