Insulin Glargine
Insulin Glargine (Basaglar / Lantus)
Clinical Summary
Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog. Documented on handwritten prescription as "Glin" — likely abbreviation for insulin glargine (brand names: Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo).
Newly documented from handwritten prescription dated 2026-05-04. Dose: 10 units subcutaneously once daily (evening, 0-0-1 dosing).
Clinic note 2026-05-06 confirms: "she is not taking Insulin Glargine (Glin)". Patient is non-adherent to this medication. Status changed active → discontinued. This resolves the previously flagged dual basal insulin question — the active basal insulin is Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) only.
Dosing History
| Date | Dose | Frequency | Route | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-04 | 10 units | Once daily (evening, 0-0-1) | Subcutaneous injection | Documented from handwritten Rx ("Glin") |
| 2026-05-06 | — | — | — | NOT BEING TAKEN — confirmed non-adherence (clinic note) |
This medication was NOT previously documented in any ingested raw source. Date of initiation is unknown.
[!success] Dual Basal Insulin Question — RESOLVED (2026-05-06)
Clinic note 2026-05-06 confirms patient is NOT taking insulin glargine (Glin). The apparent dual basal insulin regimen (Tresiba + Glin) was due to non-adherence — patient is only taking Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) as the active basal insulin. Active basal insulin = Tresiba (degludec) only.
Indication
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Provides 24-hour basal glucose control.
Pharmacology
- Drug class: Long-acting basal insulin analog
- Mechanism: Binds to insulin receptors, facilitates cellular glucose uptake, suppresses hepatic glucose production
- Half-life: ~12–14 hours (clinically once-daily dosing)
- Duration: ~24 hours
- Onset: 1–2 hours
- Peak: Minimal peak (relatively flat profile)
Comparison: Glargine vs. Degludec
| Feature | Insulin Glargine (Glin) | Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~24 hours | ~42 hours |
| Half-life | ~12–14 hours | ~25 hours |
| Dosing flexibility | Must dose at same time daily | Can vary time of day by ±8 hours |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher |
| Hypoglycemia risk | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Dosing Considerations
- Typical starting dose: 10 units once daily (matches current dose)
- Titrate by 2 units every 3–7 days to fasting glucose target
- Timing: Usually given at bedtime (0-0-1 dosing documented)
- Dose requirements may increase during acute illness, stress, infection, steroid therapy
Monitoring
- Fasting blood glucose
- Fructosamine (preferred glycemic marker in AML setting)
- Hypoglycemia symptoms/episodes
- Injection site reactions
Drug Interactions
- Prednisolone: Corticosteroids cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance — insulin dose requirements may increase during steroid therapy. See Prednisolone.
Adverse Effects
- Hypoglycemia (most common)
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions (lipohypertrophy, lipoatrophy)
- Hypokalemia (insulin drives K+ intracellularly)
Storage
- Unopened vials/pens: Refrigerate 2–8°C
- In-use pens: Room temperature (up to 30°C) for 28–42 days (brand-dependent)
Related
- Diabetes Mellitus — Primary indication
- Insulin Degludec — ACTIVE basal insulin (patient taking Tresiba, not this medication)
- Fructosamine — Preferred glycemic marker in AML setting
- Prednisolone — May increase insulin requirements if co-administered
Medication page created during ingest of 2026-05-04 handwritten prescription. Status changed active → discontinued 2026-05-06 based on clinic note confirming non-adherence.