Insulin glargine
Also known as: Basaglar, Glar, HOE901, Insulin glargine, Insulin glargine-yfgn, Lantus, Rezvoglar, Toujeo
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Summary
Insulin glargine is a recombinant human insulin analogue with a prolonged duration of action, used as basal insulin therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mechanism of Action
Binds insulin receptor → activates tyrosine kinase cascade → increases peripheral glucose uptake and suppresses hepatic glucose production
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Basal insulin replacementPhysiologicHigh
- Weight management (relative)MetabolicModerate
- Glycemic controlDiabetesHigh
- Reduction of hypoglycemia risk vs. NPH insulinSafety / TolerabilityHigh
- Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitusEndocrine / MetabolicHigh
- Gestational diabetes / diabetes in pregnancyGlycemic ManagementModerate
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitusEndocrine / MetabolicHigh
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any excipientAllergyHigh
- IV or IM administrationRoute Of AdministrationHigh
- Hypoglycemic episodes (active)MetabolicHigh
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicHigh
- Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or excipientsImmunologicalHigh
Adverse Effects
- Visual disturbances / retinopathy worseningOphthalmologicalUncommon
- EdemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling from fluid retention
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Peripheral edemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling of the arms or legs
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Allergic reactions / anaphylaxisImmunologicRare
- Weight gainMetabolicCommonIncrease in body weight
- LipodystrophyDermatologicRare
- Injection‑site reactionLocalUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone)Moderate
- Other antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides)High
- Beta‑blockersModerate
- Beta-blockersModerate
- Oral antidiabetic agents (sulfonylureas, meglitinides)Moderate
- AlcoholModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Sympathomimetics (epinephrine, salbutamol)Low
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- ElderlyAgeRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pediatric patients < 6 years (Toujeo 300 U/mL)AgeAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusEMA approval for both concentrations.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusFDA approved; Lantus (100 U/mL) 2000, Toujeo (300 U/mL) 2015.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusMHRA approval; same indications as EU.
Approved in multiple jurisdictions for basal insulin therapy; available in 100 U/mL (Lantus) and 300 U/mL (Toujeo) formulations.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Insulin glargine?
Insulin glargine is a recombinant human insulin analogue with a prolonged duration of action, used as basal insulin therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What is Insulin glargine used for?
Insulin glargine is educationally associated with: Basal insulin replacement, Weight management (relative), Glycemic control, Reduction of hypoglycemia risk vs. NPH insulin, Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus, Gestational diabetes / diabetes in pregnancy, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Insulin glargine administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Insulin glargine?
Reported adverse effects include: Visual disturbances / retinopathy worsening, Edema, Hypoglycemia, Peripheral edema, Injection site reactions, Allergic reactions / anaphylaxis, Weight gain, Lipodystrophy, Injection‑site reaction. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Insulin glargine?
Recorded contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any excipient, IV or IM administration, Hypoglycemic episodes (active), Hypoglycemia, Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or excipients. Consult a qualified clinician before use.