If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, one of the prescriptions your doctor may have prescribed you is insulin glargine. It is a long-acting insulin that controls high blood sugar levels. Individuals who have diabetic mellitus use insulin (such as Lantus) to manage their diabetes. The following articles will explain what insulin glargine is, how it should be used, and the advantages and disadvantages of the medication.
What is Insulin Glargine?
Insulin glargine is a form of insulin and is considered one of the long-acting durations (similar to insulin degludec) of diabetic medications. This injection starts its action after several hours and works evenly for approximately 24 hours. Like all insulin, insulin glargine works effectively to reduce your blood sugar levels.
Insulin glargine is used to treat individuals who have diabetes mellitus. It is produced by brands like Lantus, Basalgar and Touejo. No generic versions at a lower cost are available in insulin glargine in the United States. However, they are quite affordable through Insulin Outlet.
Insulin glargine is a prescription drug and should not get sold over the counter.
Dosages that are available for Lantus insulin glargine:
Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage as per your requirements and situation. However, the typical starting dosage for Type 1 diabetes is 33% of insulin requirements once a day, and for Type 2 diabetes, it is ten units or as per your body weight.
Should Anything Be Done Before Taking Insulin Glargine?
Insulin glargine requires a prescription and should be recommended by your doctor before use. Do not take insulin glargine without an assessment being completed by a medical professional. Advise your doctor of all allergic reactions you may have. There are numerous ingredients to insulin glargine, and it could potentially lead to an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor of all medications, supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products you are currently taking. Go into great detail about your medical history and lifestyle, as this would assist your doctor in managing your diabetes. Do not miss any details of your health, including (and not limited to): previous organ damage, pregnancies, breastfeeding, exercise routines, previous and upcoming surgeries, alcohol intake, and changing diets.
How Does Insulin Glargine Work?
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin, and it works by replacing the insulin generally produced in the body for a relatively long duration. It also helps move the sugar from the blood into the other parts of the body for energy production. Moreover, insulin glargine prevents the liver from releasing excess sugar.
Insulin glargine is synthetic insulin that functions similar to human insulin. When your body has trouble producing insulin, insulin glargine is injected to cover the insulin needed for an extended period.
It comes as a liquid solution that gets injected subcutaneously once a day. Insulin glargine takes time for your body to respond to the injection. Speak to your healthcare professional about mixing insulin glargine with a fast-acting insulin. Be sure to let them know if you are interested in adding any other diabetic medications (such as Ozempic or Trulicity).
Lantus Vials (100 Units/mL)
$114.9911 Tips for Using Insulin Glargine
Follow these tips to the tee to ensure the perfect effectiveness of the insulin glargine.
- Ensure you read the instructions for understanding the proper administration process.
- You can keep the vials and pens at room temperature for only 28 days. When shipped from Insulin Outlet, they are packaged temperature-sensitive casing to ensure your medication does not spoil.
- Ensure you administer the Insulin glargine at the same time daily. A good tip most diabetics use is setting a daily alarm on their mobile devices to ensure consistency.
- You must rotate your injection site to prevent lumps formation, skin irritation, or skin deformity.
5. Ensure you inject Lantus subcutaneously (under the skin) in your upper arm, abdomen, or upper thigh area.
6. Do not inject Insulin glargine into your vein or muscle. Your blood sugar level will drop drastically. If this does happen and you feel severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
7. Ensure you do not mix your insulin or dilute your Insulin glargine. Your doctor might prescribe short-acting insulin to accompany it. Ensure you follow their instructions exactly as prescribed.
8. Re-using needles is not recommended. Use a new needle to reduce the risk of infection and the wrong dose.
9. Initially, you might face higher fasting blood sugar levels with Insulin glargine. Monitor your levels daily and consult your doctor for any issues when switching.
10. Suppose you face low blood sugar levels with the Insulin glargine. You might experience anxiousness, shakiness, weakness, low energy, excessive hunger, sweating, racing heartbeat, confusion, or body chills. If they become severe or worrisome, please seek medical attention immediately.
11. Ensure you consume some fast-acting sugar like soda, candy, or fruit juice in moderate quantities if you face low blood sugar levels.
The Side Effects of Insulin Glargine
Side effects and medicines go hand in hand, and this is no different with Insulin Glargine. Once again, if you feel the side effects severely, consult your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
Common side effects of insulin glargine include severe hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, low potassium levels, inflammation of the sinus, common cold, clouding of the lens in your eyes, joint pain, swelling, accidental injury, headache, back pain, hand and feet pain, bronchitis, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea, excessive hunger, restless sleep, drowsiness, unusual tiredness or weakness, seizures, shakiness, slurred speech, blurred vision, chills and cold sweat, dizziness, racing heartbeat and confusion.
Uncommon side effects of insulin glargine include rapid pulse rate, itching or skin rash all over the body, sweating, and trouble breathing.
If the side effects persist and continually bother you, your doctor will guide you on switching the insulin or recommend other treatment options.
It is possible to overdose on insulin glargine. This can occur if you have too much insulin or if your diet and exercise fluctuate from regular activity. If your side effects are severe and causing you pain, please visit the nearest health facility as soon as possible or get a hold of your doctor.
Pros and Cons of Insulin Glargine
Insulin glargine comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing them will help you in using them correctly. Your doctor will elucidate these points to give you clarity, but you should go through them to jog your memory.
The pros and cons of Insulin Glargine are the following.
Pros:
- Effective in controlling blood sugar
- Less risk of hypoglycemia
- Available in vials and pens
- Has the thinnest needle
- You inject it only once a day
- Starting it early in Type 2 diabetes slows diabetes progression
- Portable Insulin
Cons:
- Injection-based
- Phobia of needles
- Weight gain possible
- Hypoglycemia is possible (if you have an inconsistent schedule)
- Can be expensive (in comparison to other insulin vials)
How to Store Insulin Glargine?
Keep all unopened insulin glargine (this includes vials and pens) refrigerated. Make sure insulin glargine does not freeze. If it does, do not use the frozen insulin glargine, even if it has been thawed. Keep insulin glargine away from direct sunlight or heat, as this could potentially disrupt the product’s potency.
Insulin glargine vials and pens can be used within 28 days after they have been in use from being stored in the refrigerator. After 28 days, the insulin must be discarded. Opened vials must be stored at room temperature or in the fridge. Used pens must be stored at room temperature. Remove any insulin that has been exposed to extreme temperatures to the trash. Do not flush this medication down the toilet.
Keep insulin glargine away from the reach of children and pets, as the ingredients may cause severe side effects including, poisoning.
Is Insulin Glargine Expensive?
Insulin prices have skyrocketed throughout the years in the United States. The prices have left many Americans looking for outside options and avoid facing these financial burdens. One of the ways thousands of Americans have done so, is by purchasing their insulin online from Canada. Insulin Outlet allows American diabetics to upload their prescriptions and buy their insulin from their website. It is safe and proven and has saved thousands of dollars for many American diabetics. You can buy Lantus and Basalgar insulin’s online from Canada through Insulin Outlet.
Endnotes
Insulin glargine is long-acting insulin. It takes several hours to take effect but controls the blood sugar levels for at least 24 hours. It is important for diabetics to understand the wide array of insulin types. Mixing insulins due to similar names (such as Humulin and Humalog) can lead to serious health complications.
Insulin glargine helps treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and can slow down the progression of the disease. However, note that it is not a cure and only helps manage diabetes.
Although this article illustrates information about insulin glargine, it is highly recommended to speak to your doctor about taking the product, as they can assess your situation and know what is best for you.
Ensure you follow your doctor’s advice to the tee and take the correct dosage consistently. Insulin glargine has its side effects, and you must monitor them and discuss them with your doctor, as it can help you find the best path to manage your diabetes.
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