Introduction
Long-acting insulin is a type of insulin that is designed to provide a slow and steady release of insulin into the bloodstream over a period of 24 hours. This type of insulin is typically used to manage the basal insulin needs of people with type 1 diabetes. Basal insulin is the insulin that is needed to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day and night.
There are several different types of long-acting insulin available, including:
- Glargine (Lantus)
- Detemir (Levemir)
- Degludec (Tresiba)
- U-300 glargine (Toujeo)
These insulins are all very similar in terms of their efficacy and safety. However, there are some minor differences between them, such as their duration of action and their peak time.
Benefits of Long-Acting Insulin
There are several benefits to using long-acting insulin for type 1 diabetes, including:
- Improved blood sugar control: Long-acting insulin can help to improve blood sugar control by providing a steady and consistent supply of insulin to the bloodstream. This can help to prevent both high and low blood sugar levels.
- Reduced risk of hypoglycemia: Long-acting insulin can help to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) by providing a slow and steady release of insulin into the bloodstream.
- Fewer injections: Long-acting insulin is typically injected once or twice a day, which can be more convenient than taking multiple doses of short-acting insulin throughout the day.
Considerations for Using Long-Acting Insulin
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when using long-acting insulin for type 1 diabetes, including:
- Duration of action: Long-acting insulin typically has a duration of action of 24 hours or more. This means that it is important to take your insulin at the same time each day to ensure that your blood sugar levels are stable.
- Peak time: The peak time of long-acting insulin is the time at which it reaches its maximum concentration in the bloodstream. The peak time for different types of long-acting insulin can vary, so it is important to talk to your doctor about when to take your insulin.
- Hypoglycemia: As with all types of insulin, there is a risk of hypoglycemia when taking long-acting insulin. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and to take your insulin as prescribed by your doctor.
The Future of Long-Acting Insulin
The future of long-acting insulin for type 1 diabetes looks promising. There are a number of new long-acting insulins in development that have the potential to provide even better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia.
One of the most promising new long-acting insulins is U-300 glargine (Toujeo). This insulin is a concentrated form of glargine that is designed to provide a longer duration of action and a more consistent blood sugar control. Toujeo is currently approved for use in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Another promising new long-acting insulin is degludec (Tresiba). This insulin is a new type of long-acting insulin that is designed to provide a very long duration of action and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Tresiba is currently approved for use in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Long-acting insulin is an important part of the treatment for type 1 diabetes. This type of insulin can help to improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, and improve quality of life. The future of long-acting insulin looks promising, with a number of new insulins in development that have the potential to provide even better results.
FAQs
- What is the best time to take long-acting insulin?
The best time to take long-acting insulin is at the same time each day. This will help to ensure that your blood sugar levels are stable.
- How often should I monitor my blood sugar levels when taking long-acting insulin?
You should monitor your blood sugar levels closely when taking long-acting insulin. This will help to ensure that your blood sugar levels are stable and that you are not at risk for hypoglycemia.
- What should I do if I have hypoglycemia while taking long-acting insulin?
If you have hypoglycemia while taking long-acting insulin, you should eat or drink something that contains sugar. This will help to raise your blood sugar levels. You should also contact your doctor if you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
Additional Resources
- The American Diabetes Association
- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
References
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021. Diabetes Care 2021;44(Suppl. 1):S1-S196.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Type 1 Diabetes: A Guide for Patients and Families. 6th ed. New York, NY: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; 2020.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes: Fast Facts. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/fast-facts. Accessed March 10, 2021.
