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Lantus is a new long acting insulin glargine injection
for diabetes care. Lantus insulin presents a remarkable breakthrough in
diabetes treatment in that it is the first insulin to present truly flat
insulin levels throughout the entire day, for most users. It can be used
by people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Considered an option
to an insulin pump, it is the first long-term insulin that has a
predictable and unchanged insulin activity. Like other new insulins,
Lantus is an insulin analog, expressing that its molecular structure has
been changed slightly, and it is this change that gives it the long
lasting effect. Lantus is designed for once-a-day use and will provide a
24-hour basal dose of insulin. Lantus has been approved for use in
children with diabetes as young as six. For further details read Risk
Factors For Type 1 Diabetes.
Unlike other long acting insulin (e.g. NPH and UltraLente), Lantus is the first clear
long-acting insulin; all the others are "cloudy" (i.e., suspensions).
When Lantus is injected, the acidic solution is neutralized by the body,
causing insulin glargine crystals to dissolve out. From those crystals,
the insulin is slowly absorbed over within hours. Since Lantus lasts for
24 hours, it can be taken once a day. To know more about diabetes
health, you can go through the site of American Diabetes Association.
Lantus insulin reduces the risk of night time hypoglycemia in comparison to
NPH, as it has essentially no peaks. However, Lantus insulin should not
be mixed with other insulins. In addition, some people claim a burning
sensation at the injection site. Other possible side effects include
blood sugar levels that are too low (hypoglycemia); injection site
reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site;
itching and rash; and allergic reactions.
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