Month 3: Checking Your A1C
You and Your Doctor Will Need to Check Your A1C Two or More Times a Year to See How Your Blood Sugar is Doing Overall.
A1C measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It doesn’t replace checking your blood sugar level daily.
It may confirm that what you’re doing to control your blood sugar is working—or it can help tell you if it isn’t.
Your doctor will most likely determine the A1C goal that’s right for you and discuss what changes to your treatment plan, if any, are
needed to help you reach your A1C goal.
Either way, you’ll want to know so that you can stay with the
diabetes treatment plan (which may include diet, exercise, and
other diabetes medicines) that you're on or alter it as
prescribed
by your doctor in order for it to become more effective.
And, just as a reminder, the ADA recommends
an A1C goal of less than 7% for most people with diabetes. Ask your doctor what target is right for you.
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.