Available Brands
Did you find this information helpful?
Author Details
Written By
Sakshi Anil More
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 23 Jul 2026 | 06:12 AM (IST)
Want to know more?
Read Our Editorial Policy
Quick Summary
INSULIN
Last updated on 23 Jul 2026 | 06:12 AM (IST)
INSULIN
Background and Date of approval INSULIN
The U.S. FDA approved insulin glargine in April 2000 for treating diabetes mellitus.
Uses of INSULIN
Insulin glargine is used to treat both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients.Â
How is INSULIN administered?
 Insulin glargine is available as a 100IU/ml injection which is administered under the skin by your doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.Â
Side Effects of INSULIN
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with insulin glargine, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, allergic reactions, skin thickening or pits at the injection site swelling.Â
Warnings
It is not recommended for diabetic ketoacidosis patients. Inform your doctor if you have a liver, kidney problem, obese(overweight), or acute illness, edema or sodium retention, eye problem, low blood pressure and allergic to Insulin glargine or any of its ingredients Elderly patients should be cautious while taking the medicine.Â
Precautions
Your doctor will advise you to monitor your blood pressure while under medication. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant or while you are breastfeeding.Â
Word of Advice
It is advised to avoid drinking or limiting your consumption to avoid undesirable side effects. It may increase or decrease your blood sugar level, when you are under medication. Consult your doctor before driving or when to start driving while taking medicine, as it may after your driving ability, it is recommended to be cautious. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to sodium as this medicine may contain sodium as an ingredient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What precautions should I take while on insulin glargine?
Be aware of any potential infections that could come up and consult your doctor. Your doctor will advise you to check the blood glucose level and urine test. Let them know if you're having any new or worse symptoms immediately.
Q2.
Can I drive when I take insulin glargine?
No. It is recommended to avoid driving when you take the medicine, as it can cause drowsiness. Consult your doctor before driving.
Q3.
Can an elderly individual safely take insulin glargine?
Elderly patients should be cautious while taking the medicine because this medicine may cause hypoglycemia which is difficult to identify in them, so it is important to be cautious and consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Q4.
Can I take insulin glargine if I have low blood pressure?
It is recommended to inform your doctor about your condition before starting to take the medicine.
Q5.
Can I take insulin glargine if I have diabetic ketosis?
No, it is not recommended to treat diabetic ketosis patients.
References
- Sanofi-Aventis, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Apr 2023] [Accessed on 10 Oct 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13280.pdf
- Sanofi-Aventis, US Food and Drug Administration, FDA [Revised on July 2015] [Accessed on 10th Oc 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021081s072lbl.pdf
- Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Endocrine pancreas and pharmacotherapy of diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia,12th edition, 2011, 1250-1252.
- KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Insulin, oral hypoglycemic drugs and glucagon, 7th edition, 2013, 259-270.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
