How is insulin typically administered to patients?

Insulin is typically administered by subcutaneous injection because this route allows for the gradual absorption of insulin into the bloodstream. Subcutaneous injections provide a relatively stable and prolonged release of insulin, which is essential for managing blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. The fatty tissue just beneath the skin is ideal for insulin absorption, making this method both effective and practical for patients.

In contrast, oral ingestion is not a common method for administering insulin due to the digestive breakdown of the hormone, which would render it ineffective. Intramuscular injections, while they can deliver medications quickly, do not provide the sustained absorption needed for insulin therapy. Intravenous infusion is generally reserved for specific scenarios, such as during hospital stays for patients who require tight glucose control, but it is not the standard method for everyday management of diabetes in an outpatient setting. Thus, the subcutaneous route is the most appropriate and widely used approach for insulin administration.