Lantus is a long-acting 24 hour basal insulin manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. Basal insulin is designed to keep your blood sugar level over long durations. Rapid acting bolus insulin is used to manage the carbohydrates you eat, but Lantus and other basal insulin regulates your blood sugar during the remainder of the day. It is prescribed as an alternative for twice-daily NPH insulin. You should understand the side effects of Lantus before you begin the treatment regimen.
Lantus Basics
Lantus is a once-daily injection of insulin that works to maintain your blood sugar levels over 24 hours. Lantus helps to manage and reduce the morning highs caused by the dawn phenomenon, and avoids blood sugar spikes between meals when your rapid-acting insulin has run its course. Lantus may be prescribed in conjunction with a rapid-acting insulin or an oral diabetes medication, depending on your particular situation.
Weight Gain
Lantus insulin is known to have anabolic effects, encouraging tissue growth and development. This is not uncommon among insulin therapies, and results in weight gain in many patients. Additional weight can increase the occurrence of insulin resistance, creating a difficult cycle. As weight increases, insulin resistance becomes more prominent. As insulin resistance increases, your insulin dosage will increase. The increased insulin dosage may induce additional weight gain, adding to the insulin resistance and perpetuating the cycle.
Managing Weight
Eat a low-fat, healthy diet when you are treating your diabetes with Lantus. Stick to the caloric intake recommended by your doctor and diabetic nutritionist. Remain as active as possible, based on the exercise regimen your care team recommends. The more active you are and the more you keep your metabolism up, the more you can counter the weight gain effects of Lantus.
Other Considerations
Watch for low blood sugar when you take Lantus. Monitor your blood sugar regularly to avoid dangerous lows. Dizziness, shakiness, tingling in your extremities and nausea are some other possible side effects of Lantus therapy. Talk with your doctor as soon as possible if you discover any negative effects while you are taking Lantus. Plan a snack when you take your Lantus that contains a carbohydrate and a protein. This can help to regulate your blood sugar and prevent drastic swings.
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