Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The primary function of bolus insulin in diabetes management is to lower post-meal glucose levels. Bolus insulin is specifically designed to be taken at mealtimes to counteract the increase in blood glucose that occurs after eating. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Bolus insulin facilitates the uptake of this glucose into the cells, where it can be utilized for energy, thereby helping to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range after meals.

In contrast, other options reflect different aspects of diabetes management. Managing fasting blood glucose is typically the role of basal insulin or other medications taken at regular intervals. Controlling blood glucose between meals is also crucial and can involve both basal and bolus insulin, but it does not capture the primary immediate action of bolus insulin around meal times. Preventing long-term complications involves overall good glycemic control, which includes both fasting and postprandial glucose levels, but is not the direct function of bolus insulin. Therefore, the correct choice directly ties to the role of bolus insulin in managing the immediate effects of food intake on blood glucose levels.