Insulin glargine is a long-acting (basal) insulin many people use to control their blood sugar all day and night. You might know it by brand names like Lantus, Basaglar, or Toujeo. Unlike rapid insulins you take at meals, insulin glargine gives a steady background insulin level to help prevent high fasting sugar and overnight spikes.
This insulin is given once a day for most people. The timing often matches your routine — morning or evening — and your healthcare team will tell you which fits you best. Onset is a few hours, and some forms last about 24 hours; others (like Toujeo) provide an even longer, flatter effect. Doses are highly individual. Doctors calculate dose based on weight, activity, eating patterns, and other medicines. Never swap doses with someone else or cut doses in half without advice.
When switching between brand types or concentrations (U-100 vs U-300), don’t assume the same unit equals the same effect. Your prescriber will adjust your dose and monitor you closely for changes in blood sugar and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Inject into fatty tissue: abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate sites to avoid lumps. Use a clean needle every time. If you use a pen device, follow the manufacturer for priming and needle change.
Watch for low blood sugar. Signs include sweating, shakiness, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability. Keep quick sugar (glucose tablets or juice) on hand and tell friends or family how to help. If you ever lose consciousness, emergency services need to know you’re on insulin.
Common side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain. Less common issues are injection site reactions or skin changes. If you notice swelling, severe redness, sudden vision changes, or symptoms that worry you, call your clinician.
Store unopened insulin in the fridge. After the first use, many pens or vials can stay at room temperature for a set time—check the label. Avoid extreme heat or freezing. Throw away needles safely in a sharps container.
Cost and access vary. Brands and biosimilars can differ in price. If cost is an issue, ask your prescriber about alternatives or patient-assistance programs. Buying insulin online can save money but use only licensed pharmacies and verify prescriptions. Fake or poorly stored insulin can be dangerous.
Final quick checklist: learn your target ranges, know how and when to inject, rotate sites, carry fast sugar, store insulin correctly, and keep regular contact with your healthcare team. With a clear plan, insulin glargine can be a reliable foundation for diabetes control.
Lantus, or insulin glargine, is a long-acting insulin widely used to manage blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This article breaks down what Lantus is, how it works, practical tips for using it, and what to watch for, drawing from real-life experiences and the latest medical facts. You'll find a clear explanation of side effects, how to store and use Lantus safely, and ideas for living your life with less stress about your diabetes care. If you want honest, useful advice about Lantus, this is your guide.
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