When it comes to treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes, two of the most popular diabetic medications available on the market today are Lantus and Humulin. But which of these two blockbuster medications is most suitable for you? The following helpful comparison guide will help you make the right decision, with the assistance of your physician.
What is Lantus?
Lantus (which is known generically as insulin glargine) is a synthetic variant of a hormone called insulin that is naturally produced in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that lowers and stabilizes levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin glargine, the variant of insulin in Lantus, is a long-acting form of insulin that begins to work several hours after the injection is administered.
Once Lantus is injected, it exerts its effects evenly and continuously and will continue to work for up to 24 hours post injection. Lantus is used to improve blood sugar control markers in adults and children suffering from diabetes mellitus. Lantus is approved to treat Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in adult patients and is used to treat type 1 diabetes in children who are at least 6 years of age. Because some types of insulin glargine are approved only for adults, it is important to consult with the prescribing physician to ensure the correct medication regime is being followed.
What is Humulin?
Humulin contains a short-acting form of the human insulin hormone. This prescription medicine is administered by injection to improve levels of blood sugar control in adults with diabetes. It is important that patients check closely with a prescribing physician to ensure this is a suitable medication for them to take; Humulin is not approved for use in certain patient populations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the use of human insulin in 1982.
What is the Difference Between Humulin and Lantus?
The main difference between Lantus and Humulin is the medications’ duration of action within the body. Both Lantus and Humulin are variations of human insulin, and they both produce different effects. With Lantus, the dosage can be easily adjusted to prepare a customized injection regimen for people who have diabetes that is difficult to treat. It can also be used by people who suffer from liver or kidney problems.
Humulin has a less-prolific dosing regimen and a different side effect profile. You should consult closely with a prescribing physician to determine which one of these medications is most suitable for you based on your complete medical history.
