Week 3: Recognizing Your Progress
Soon, it’ll be a month since you began your treatment with Lantus®. You’ve done a lot to be proud of.
You’ve set new goals for yourself. And, hopefully, you’ve begun to balance your diet, exercise, and Lantus®
to the point where you can start to see some progress with your blood sugar levels.
The Rewards of Progress
I was numb and in disbelief when I found out I had type 2 diabetes. At first, I thought it meant that
I would need to limit my physical activity and cut out my favorite foods, and that I’d lose my freedom
to travel. Since then, I’ve learned just how wrong I was. Now, I get even more exercise by adding walks
to my daily routine. I’ve also added more fruits and vegetables to my meals and I carefully monitor my
blood sugar levels. And, of course, I take my Lantus® regularly. My A1C is now less than 7%, and I
determine what I want to eat and where I want to go.
Tim, taking Lantus® since 2006
What Does Progress Look Like?
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most people with type 2 diabetes should have blood glucose levels within this range:
Before meals or upon waking:  |
2 hours after the start of a meal: |
70 - 130 mg/dL |
Less than 180 mg/dL |
The ADA also recommends an A1C result of less than 7%. While your blood glucose results at home tell you what your
blood sugar level is at that time, A1C measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months and
gives you and your doctor an overall picture of how well your treatment plan is working. Of course, you should
talk to your doctor to see which blood sugar and A1C levels are right for you.
Be Patient
Keep in mind, if you don’t see changes happening in your blood sugar levels right away, don’t get discouraged.
It can take 2 to 3 months to get your blood sugar levels under control. Keep monitoring your levels and keep
going with your treatment. It takes time, but it’s worth it.
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®.
Click here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.
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.