July 17, 2000
Insulin
Question from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, USA:
I understand there is a new 24 hour long acting insulin which has just been approved for marketing by the FDA. It is Lantus Glargine, made by Hoechst. Will this be a better option than NPH or Ultralente for a 4 year old recently diagnosed Type 1 child? What are your thoughts on the new insulin, and when will it be available by prescription?
Answer:
Glargine is a new insulin analog that offers a very even release over the 24 hours after injection. Basically it is equivalent to two injections of NPH over the same period; but otherwise affords no striking improvement in control. It is likely to find a place in intensive insulin therapy where it is used with a Humalog dose after meals that is adjusted for the premeal blood sugar and appetite.
DOB
[Editor’s comment: Insulin glargine is marketed by Aventis Pharmaceuticals under the brand name Lantus.
JSH]
