Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. Insulin glargine is a popular synthetic version of this natural hormone that works for up to 24 hours after being injected. It is a long-acting insulin. Also known as Lantus, it is used to improve the control of blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It can also be used in children who are at least 6 years of age and have type 1 diabetes. It is given once daily.
Insulin and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is critical to keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible. Women who were using insulin before pregnancy may need to increase their insulin intake during pregnancy. Doctors sometimes change the type of insulin used during pregnancy as well.
Lantus During Pregnancy
Although Lantus been around for almost 2 decades, it is not often prescribed to pregnant women. There are no extensive clinical trials evaluating whether or not this insulin medication is safe to use during pregnancy.
There have been some studies on women who used Lantus during pregnancy. A total of 702 women were studied, and no significant effects were seen in the children that were born to these women.
In studies done on animals, a comparison between Lantus and human insulin was made. This drug, when taken during pregnancy, did not seem to increase the risk of problems when compared with human insulin. However, Lantus has not yet been sufficiently studied in pregnant women, and the potential risks of this medication remain unknown.
Conclusion
If patients are taking Lantus before pregnancy, they should speak to their doctor if they plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. Often, human insulins are used during pregnancy. You health-care provider will determine the best form of treatment for you depending on your current therapy and any other health conditions.
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.
