Month 2: Doctor Visit Checklist
Controlling blood sugar is all about managing your diet, exercise, other diabetes
medicines, and Lantus® insulin. But to do that, you and your doctor
need to evaluate how you are doing. That's why your doctor visits are so important.
You've worked with your doctor to set your blood sugar goals, and you're taking
Lantus® to help achieve them, but do you still have questions about
your treatment?
Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about Lantus®:
What is my A1C level?
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A1C measures your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months.
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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C of <7% for most people
with diabetes. Ask your doctor what the right A1C goal is right for you.
Now that I have started with the Lantus® SoloSTAR®
pen, has my A1C level improved?
Does my current dose need to be changed?
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Adjustments are common. It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.
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Since everyone's diabetes treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise, and
other diabetes medicine, is different, it may take some time to find the right Lantus®
dose for you.
I understand many healthcare professionals design a dose adjustment schedule for
their patients; can you do this for me?
Once my blood sugar is under control, will my Lantus® dose ever need
to be adjusted again?
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Any change in your lifestyle, medicines, and health conditions that you experience
can change your blood sugar levels. For example, if you start a new exercise program,
your blood sugar levels may change. Discuss any changes with your doctor. He or
she will determine if an adjustment to your medication regimen is necessary.
Should we review my current diet, medication, and exercise program?
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You should review your diet, medication, and exercise program at every visit, especially
if you notice a change in your blood sugar levels, or if you want to change your
diet or exercise plan.
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Any change may require a change to your insulin dose. Talk to your doctor before
making any change to your insulin regimen and about the need for more frequent blood
sugar monitoring.
What are my goals for my next appointment?
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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.