Long-Acting Insulin for Type 1 Diabetes

Overview
Long-acting insulin is used for managing glucose (blood sugar) levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Types of insulin approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that are considered long-acting include insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar) and insulin detemir (Basaglar).

Long-acting insulin works over an extended period of up to 24 hours, by decreasing glucose levels and generally starts to work within two hours after injection. If taken once per day, the dose is taken at dinner time or bedtime. If taking the medication twice a day, make sure to take the evening dose either when having dinner, at bedtime, or about 12 hours after the morning dose.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that long-acting insulin is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once or twice a day. Always consult with your health care provider for proper dosing and injection techniques​​​​.

Side effects
Common side effects of long-acting insulin include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), allergic reactions at the injection site, swelling, and weight gain.

Severe side effects can include severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

Long-term use of insulin can cause changes in fat tissue at the injection site. It’s important to monitor blood sugar levels and to know the signs of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)​​​​​​.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Levemir — Insulin Detemir Injection, Solution — Daily Med
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo....
Types of Insulin — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type-1-type...
What’s the Difference Between Rapid-Acting and Long-Acting Insulins? — GoodRx Health
https://www.goodrx.com/classes/insulins/long-ac...