Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-lasting synthetic form of the hormone marketed by Sanofi-Aventis, releasing a 24-hour dose through one injection a day. Lantus and diabetes tablets may be used in conjunction when oral medications are insufficient. Lantus is designed for individuals suffering from both types of diabetes and has been approved for children six years of age and older. The most commonly reported side effect is hypoglycemia. Lantus is injected under the skin using an injection pen that contains 300 units of insulin, delivering 80 units per shot. Because it is analog insulin, the release into the body is controlled with no peak. This reduces the risk of nighttime hypoglycemia in comparison with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N, etc.). Another study confirmed that for type 1 diabetes Lantus was a better basal insulin than NPH when used as a basal-bolus treatment plan.
