Final answer:
Intermediate-acting insulin, such as NPH, is used to decrease blood glucose levels after meals and maintain baseline insulin levels. It absorbs more slowly than rapid-acting insulin, providing a longer duration of action to manage blood sugar in individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinical use of intermediate-acting insulin such as NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) is to decrease blood glucose levels after consuming a large or high-glucose meal. This type of insulin is designed to be absorbed more slowly than rapid-acting insulin and begins to work within one to three hours after injection, with its peak effect occurring several hours later and lasting up to 16 hours. This makes NPH insulin particularly useful for maintaining baseline insulin levels and managing blood sugar throughout the day or night. It can be used in conjunction with short-acting insulin to cover meals and correct high blood sugar levels. Intermediate-acting insulin helps in the transport and storage of glucose, which is essential for the body's cells to function properly. In people with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, making insulin injections necessary to control blood sugar levels. By managing these levels, insulin injections help prevent the long-term complications of diabetes, including damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.