What is the purpose of an insulin sliding scale order?

• A. To schedule insulin once daily at a fixed time.
• B. To adjust insulin doses based on current blood glucose levels to maintain glycemic control.
• C. To replace all mealtime insulin with a single dose.
• D. To set a dose that ignores glucose readings.

Answer: (B)

The main concept is using current glucose measurements to guide insulin dosing. An insulin sliding scale provides a predefined table that links a measured blood glucose value to a corrective dose of rapid- or short-acting insulin. If the glucose is high, you administer the corresponding amount to bring it toward the target range; if it’s near goal, you may give a smaller dose or none. This approach responds directly to what the glucose reading shows, helping maintain glycemic control in the hospital. It isn’t a fixed daily schedule, it doesn’t replace all mealtime insulin with a single dose, and it doesn’t ignore glucose readings. In practice, it’s often used alongside basal insulin as part of a broader diabetes management plan.