Final answer:
The slower-acting, short-duration insulin is NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn). It is an intermediate-acting insulin used in managing Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) to regulate blood sugar, offering a balance between onset and duration of action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slower-acting, short-duration insulin among the options provided is d. NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin. This is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts to work within 1 to 2 hours after injection, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and keeps working for 12 to 18 hours. It is not the fastest acting, unlike options b. Glargine and c. Lispro which are long-acting and rapid-acting, respectively, while a. Regular is short-acting but quicker than NPH.
In understanding the treatment of diabetes mellitus, specifically in cases where insulin therapy is necessary, such as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), the use of different types of insulin may be recommended based on how quickly they start working (onset), when they peak, and how long they last (duration). NPH is often chosen for its slower onset and shorter duration compared to other types, and is typically used in combination with faster-acting insulins to manage blood sugar levels throughout the day.
In individuals with IDDM, when insulin (such as NPH) is injected, there is a decrease in the blood glucose levels as the cells use glucose more effectively. Over time, levels will fluctuate due to other hormonal responses, like the secretion of glucagon, but the goal of insulin therapy is to help stabilize these levels and return them to a normal range similar to the response seen in individuals without diabetes.