Additional Information

Why is this medication prescribed

Insulin glargine is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly called 'juvenile-onset'). It is also used to treat people with type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly called 'adult-onset') who need long-acting insulin to control their diabetes. Insulin glargine is a long-acting, man-made version of human insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also helps the body break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the diet. In a person with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body's needs, so additional insulin is required. People with diabetes may gradually develop serious nerve, blood vessel, kidney, and eye problems if the diabetes is not controlled properly.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin glargine.

To monitor the effectiveness of insulin glargine, measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood or urine (when blood sugar is above a certain high level, you will have sugar in your urine). For measuring the amount of glucose in your blood, you can use a blood glucose meter. For the urine measurements, you will need special paper tapes, tablets, or plastic strips that change color depending on how much sugar is present. Your doctor also may ask you to test your urine for ketones (substances present when diabetes is not under control). Follow your doctor's directions for testing your urine and blood and for recording the results. If your blood sugar is high or if sugar or ketones are present in your urine, call your doctor.

Your dose of insulin glargine may need to be changed when you are ill (especially with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), have emotional changes or stress, gain or lose weight, or change the amount of food you eat or amount of exercise you do. If any of these things happen, call your doctor.

See your dentist twice yearly; see your eye doctor regularly; get your blood pressure checked regularly.

If you travel across time zones, ask your doctor how to time your injections. When you travel, take extra insulin and supplies with you.

Keep yourself and your clothes clean. Wash cuts, scrapes, and other wounds quickly, and do not let them get infected. Wear medical alert identification (a bracelet or tag) that says you have diabetes.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

In case of emergency overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.