Insulin glargine

Insulin glargine

Antidiabetics Prescription only ATC code: A10AE04

What it is

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analogue, a manufactured version of the hormone the pancreas normally releases between meals. It forms a depot under the skin from which insulin is absorbed slowly and evenly, covering background insulin needs across the day rather than the rise that follows a meal. It is used in diabetes, alone or alongside a faster insulin or tablets.

Times
Any time
At bedtime

Used for

  • Diabetes

What to know while taking it

It is an injection, and the background cover it provides continues whether or not food is eaten, which is why a skipped meal can drop blood sugar too far. Unopened supplies belong in the fridge; heat degrades insulin and makes its effect unpredictable. Beta-blockers such as bisoprolol and metoprolol blunt the tremor and pounding heartbeat that usually announce a low, so a low can arrive with fewer signals. Glucose and HbA1c track how well the background dose fits, and insulin also drives potassium into cells, so potassium is watched.

When to see a doctor

Repeated lows, lows without warning symptoms, or a low severe enough to cause confusion or need another person's help mean the regimen no longer fits and a doctor should review it. Persistently high readings, or illness that makes eating impossible, also need medical advice rather than guesswork.

Worth knowing

  • Can cause low blood sugar
  • Store in the fridge
  • Never skip a meal on this

Interacts with

Markers to watch

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.