insulin glargine

What is insulin glargine

**Introduction to Insulin Glargine** Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog used to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Designed to mimic the body's natural basal insulin secretion, it provides a steady and prolonged glucose-lowering effect for up to 24 hours, helping maintain stable blood sugar levels with once-daily dosing. Unlike regular insulin, glargine has a slow, peakless absorption profile, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. It is typically administered subcutaneously in the evening or morning. Marketed under brand names like Lantus®, Basaglar®, and Toujeo®, insulin glargine is a cornerstone of diabetes therapy, often combined with rapid-acting insulin or oral medications for optimal glycemic control.

Preparation Process: Insulin glargine is prepared via recombinant DNA technology. The human insulin gene is modified to substitute glycine for asparagine at position A21 and add two arginine residues to the B-chain C-terminus. The modified gene is inserted into Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae for expression. The host cells are cultured in a fermentation medium, and the expressed proinsulin analog is harvested. Enzymatic cleavage removes the C-peptide, followed by purification via chromatography (e.g., reverse-phase HPLC). The purified insulin glargine is formulated at pH 4.0 with zinc and m-cresol for stabilization, yielding a clear solution for subcutaneous administration.

Usage Scenarios: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It provides a steady, peakless insulin release over approximately 24 hours, mimicking the body’s natural basal insulin secretion. Administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, it helps maintain stable fasting glucose levels. Unlike rapid-acting insulins, glargine is not intended to cover mealtime glucose spikes but serves as a background insulin to control hyperglycemia between meals and overnight. It is often combined with short-acting insulins or other antidiabetic medications for optimal glycemic control. Proper dosing and timing are crucial to avoid hypoglycemia.

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