Long Acting Insulin [Lantus/Glargine]
An Overview
Need for Long Acting Insulin : After Meal pancreas releases a hormone called insulin which moves sugar (glucose) from blood cells for energy or storage. One may need some insulin at mealtime to help lower blood sugar. But even between meals insulin is needed in small amounts to help keep blood sugar stable.
This is where long-acting insulin comes in.
What is Glargine [AKA Lantus ] : -
Insulin Glargine is a Long Acting Insulin which isused to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and pediatric patients (children 6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. Long-acting insulinm takes the longest amount of time [4 Hours] to start working.
There are currently four different long-acting insulin products available:
- insulin glargine (Lantus), lasts up to 24 hours
- insulin detemir (Levemir), lasts 18 to 23 hours
- insulin glargine (Toujeo), lasts more than 24 hours
- insulin degludec (Tresiba), lasts up to 42 hours
- insulin glargine (Basaglar), lasts up to 24 hours
How to Administer Lantus : - It is administered Once a Day [OD] by SC Route.
Sites : -
THE STOMACH :
Except for a 2-inch circle around the navel- THE TOP AND OUTER THIGHS : Avoid administering too close to the bony area above the knee
- THE OUTER, UPPER ARMS : Use the outer back area of the upper arm where there is fatty tissue
THE STOMACH :
Except for a 2-inch circle around the navel
Clean your Skin: Using rubbing alcohol to clean the skin where you are going to inject. Alcohol can sometimes sting if it’s not completely dry when you inject, so wait a few seconds for it to evaporate or pat the area dry with a sterile cotton ball.
*Avoid using Alcohol Swab before administering Insulin because it hinders the efficacy. [MCQ]