The Best Time to Inject Lantus Insulin

Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, or adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus often use long-acting Lantus insulin to reduce their blood sugar (glucose) levels. If you are a diabetic, you may have wondered if there is a preferable time of the day to inject Lantus into your system. Fellow diabetics may advise what they believe to be the best time, but in reality, only you and your doctor will know when that is.

No Real "Best Time"

• Lantus, a sterile solution of insulin glargine, requires no more than one injection per day and usually lasts around 22 hours in most people. However, some people take two injections--one in the morning and one right before they go to bed.

  What works well for one person in regards to dosage and the timing of injection may not work for another, so make sure you discuss factors like your diet, exercise regimen and blood sugar level with your doctor so the two of you can determine the best time for you to take Lantus. Oftentimes, it's a matter of trial and error to determine what time of day works best for you.

  Regardless of the time of day you inject Lantus into your system (always under the skin, not in a muscle or vein), make sure it's at the same exact time every day.

Clinical Studies

• While there is no universally accepted best time of the day to take Lantus, the drug's manufacturer has reported on clinical studies determining the safety and efficacy of administering Latnus pre-breakfast, pre-dinner or at bedtime. Sanofi-aventis U.S., based in Bridgewater, NJ, reported a randomized, controlled 24-week study of patients with type 1 diabetes who also were treated with insulin lispro at mealtime.

  Patients injecting Lantus at different times of the day saw similar reductions in glycated hemoglobin compared to bedtime administration. Data was available from eight-point home glucose monitoring, and the maximum mean blood glucose level was observed prior to Lantus injection, regardless of time of administration.

  In this study, five percent of patients injecting Lantus at breakfast discontinued treatment because of lack of efficacy. No patients injecting Lantus pre-dinner or at bedtime discontinued for this reason. Routine monitoring during this trial revealed the following mean changes in systolic blood pressure: 1.9mm Hg (pre-breakfast group), 0.7 mm Hg (pre-dinner group) and -2.0 mm Hg (pre-bedtime group).

  Sanofi-aventis also reported on an active-controlled 24-week study of type 2 diabetes patients who no longer were adequately controlled on oral agent therapy. In addition to Lantus, patients also received 3 mg of Amaryl (glimeperide) on a daily basis, and those injecting Lantus before breakfast saw results that were as effective in lowering glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as injecting Lantus at bedtime.