What is Lantus insulin?
It is the market name for insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin used to treat type 1 or 2 diabetes. Insulin glargine is seen to have a steady activity for 24 hours without any peaks in activity—an important feature in order to avoid a sudden onset of hypoglycemia. It is marketed and found under several brand names including Toujeo SoloStar, Lantus Solostar Pen, Lantus, Basaglar KwikPen.
Weight gain and Lantus
While it has been shown as successful in helping patients reduce incidents of high blood sugar, it has also been shown to cause an associated weight gain in some patients. Some studies have drawn comparisons between insulin glargine and NPH, and the former is often shown to cause less weight gain. There have also been studies comparing the concentration of the insulin glargine dose. Scientists have found that a higher concentration often shows less weight gain over time.
Preventing weight gain with Lantus
The protocol for preventing weight gain with the use of Lantus insulin is similar to that used for other methods of administering insulin. It is extremely important to note that you should follow the directions given by your doctor when using it. Aside from careful dosage, you can also maintain or decrease your weight be keeping your insulin needs low. You can do this by keeping an eye on your calorie intake throughout the day and matching it to your level of activity.
You can also use exercise to help regulate the use of excess calories for each day. Typically, when you eat more food, more insulin is required to regulate the increased blood sugar, which can lead to weight gain if it is not balanced by adequate levels of activity.
It is also important to talk to your doctor about the type of insulin that you are using and how you are using it. Different types of insulin can also have an effect on the amount of weight you might gain.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Weight gain is a common side effect of all insulins, including Lantus, because insulin helps your body store sugar for energy. It’s important to recognize the signs of low blood sugar before it becomes a bigger problem. Mild symptoms include shaking, headache, hunger, dizziness, fast heartbeat, impatience, and anxiety. If blood sugar drops too low and stays there, it can lead to a medical emergency. Severe symptoms of low blood sugar include extreme tiredness, confusion, irritability, sweating, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and even coma.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
