As of February 2001, there is a new type of insulin available under the name of Lantus (insulin glargine). This product is unique as far as insulins go in that it provides 24-hour continuous insulin release with practically no spike. Especially in combination with Humalog (an extremely short-acting insulin) it is possible to mimic the pancreas' natural insulin secretion pattern almost exactly. However, since Lantus cannot be mixed in a syringe with any other insulin, this therapy requires anywhere from 4 to 7 injections daily.
Lantus is generally injected once a day at bedtime to provide continuous glycemic control, with Humalog being injected 15 minutes prior to or immediately after a meal. This mimics the release of insulin in a functioning pancreas which would be stimulated by the ingestion of carbohydrates. With good compliance (and frequent blood glucose monitoring), this is the insulin regiment that provides the best control after the insulin pump.
Lantus, brand name of insulin glargine
Indications
Type 1 diabetes (in adults and children)
Type 2 diabetes (in adults) when basal (long-acting) insulin is needed.
Dosage for adults
Switching from once-daily NPH or ultralente insulin: initial dose should be the same on a unit-for-unit basis.
Switching from twice-daily NPH: reduce initial insulin glargine dose by 20% from previous total NPH dose.
Insulin-naive, type 2 diabetics on oral antidiabetic:
initially 10 IU; range 2–100 IU.
Dosage for children
< 6yrs: Not recommended.
> 6yrs: individualize; monitor and adjust as needed.
How supplied
Vials (10mL)—1
Cartridges for OptiPen One (3mL)—5
Additional Information
Give once daily at bedtime; subcutaneous injection only.
Onset 1.1 hours, no pronounced peak, duration 24 hours or longer.
Pregnancy Category C.
Date of most recent Update
August 04, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
generic name(s) of this medication