How Insulin Works
The role of insulin in the body is to allow blood sugar to move from your blood
stream into your cells. This gives your cells energy. But when you have diabetes,
your body doesn't make enough insulin and/or your body does not properly use
the insulin it makes.
Diabetes medicines can help; some help your body release more insulin or use
insulin more effectively. But as diabetes progresses, it can become harder for you
to control your blood sugar. When this happens, your doctor may suggest making changes
to your treatment plan. One of those changes may include choosing to add insulin
to your overall diabetes treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise, and other diabetes medicines.
Fast Fact
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C of <7% for most people
with diabetes.
A1C is a measure of your blood sugar levels for the last 2 to 3 months. Talk to your doctor about the goal that is right for you.
Fast Fact
Insulin is proven to lower A1C more than any other diabetes medicine alone.**
**Greater percentage point decrease in A1C.
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the
inactive ingredients in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless
with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with
others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may
experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision.
Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life-threatening. It may cause harm to your
heart or brain. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions,
including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including
itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life-threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your
doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin
pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and
follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information for Lantus®.
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The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.