Which characteristic of insulin lispro might improve glycaemic control in a patient with type 1 diabetes?

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog that has a rapid onset of action, typically occurring within 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for patients with type 1 diabetes, especially around mealtimes. The quick onset allows for more precise control of blood glucose levels in relation to carbohydrate intake, enabling patients to better match their insulin dosing with their dietary intake.

This timing is crucial because it helps to minimize postprandial hyperglycemia, the spike in blood sugar levels that occurs after eating. By allowing insulin to begin acting quickly when food is consumed, insulin lispro can help optimize glycaemic control and reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes.

Other characteristics of insulin lispro, while important, do not directly enhance glycaemic control to the same extent as its rapid onset of action. For example, a low incidence of hypoglycaemia is beneficial for safety but does not directly improve control, while low incidence of lipoatrophy and low risk of immunogenic reaction relate more to the safety and tolerability of the medication rather than its efficacy in managing blood glucose levels.