Types of Insulin
Different insulins are designed to meet different needs
Basal Insulin
The term basal insulin refers to the slow steady release of insulin that controls your blood sugar when no food is being digested.
This can include long and intermediate acting insulins which:
- Start working at different points in time after injection
- Last for different lengths of time
You and your doctor can decide which type of insulin may work best for you based on your individual needs.
Mealtime Insulin
Mealtime insulin may be taken before, during, or after a meal, depending on the
insulin you use. This kind of insulin controls blood sugar levels associated with meals.
This can include short and rapid acting insulins which:
- Start working at different points in time after injection
- Last for different lengths of time
You and your doctor can decide which type of insulin may work best for you based on your individual needs.
Your doctor will help decide which insulin(s) is right for you. However, one thing
is true of all kinds of insulin. Regardless of which kind you need, it can play
an important role in your diabetes treatment program. 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.
"When my doctor first told me I had diabetes, I was kind of concerned. It was like, 'What am I going to do now?' It all seemed complicated."
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Important Safety Information for Lantus®
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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