Lantus insulin is an injection that contains 100 units/ml of insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin analogue). It is generally indicated for the management of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
How to inject Lantus insulin
As with other insulin preparations, Lantus insulin cannot be taken orally. Otherwise it will be broken down in the stomach through enzymatic reactions, preventing the drug from reaching the bloodstream.
Lantus is intended to be administered subcutaneously, where a short needle is used for injection into the layer of fat between the muscle and the skin. Do not inject into the muscle, as this could cause hypoglycemia. Inspect the content of the vial prior to injection. During administration, you should pinch 1 to 2 inches of the skin to avoid over-injection. For complete directions for use, refer to the product insert. Ask your doctor if you are unsure how to inject Lantus insulin.
Lantus injection sites
The best injection sites are body parts with a fatty layer, including the buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and belly. Insulin tends to demonstrate a higher rate of absorption at these injection sites. For instance, insulin has the highest absorption rate when injected into the belly, followed by the upper arms and the thighs. The buttocks is the site of injection with the lowest rate of absorption. Be aware that patients with less body fat should avoid injecting into the arms. This is due to the higher risk of injecting into the muscle, which can potentially cause hypoglycemia.
To ensure consistent absorption, it is recommended to rotate the injection sites (especially if insulin is used on a regular basis). At the same time, rotation of injection sites helps to prevent the formation of lumpy and stiffer skin. Using the same injection site repeatedly may increase the risk of lipodystrophy. Instead of injecting into the same site, use a different spot every time you administer Lantus insulin. For example, you should perform the injection on the right side of the belly on 1 day, then using the left side on the next day.
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.
