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Diabetes - Adult Type II (Expert Forum)
Lantus BID vs Levemir Basal Insulin
Answered by
Anita Ramsetty, MD - GeneralEndocrinology, Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Thyroid Disorders, AdrenalInsufficiency, CF-Related Diabetes
Endocrine Care Group
Questions in the Adult Type II Diabetes forum are answered by Dr. Anita Ramsetty. Topics covered include Type 2 Diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, diabetes and heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia, diabetes and pregnancy,
diabetes and vision problems, diabetes and wound healing, diabetic complications, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin.
Lantus BID vs Levemir Basal Insulin
by Mary1994, Feb 12, 2008 05:31PM
When I started using 2u Lantus in morning, 2 weeks ago, I'd go low in the late afternoon/early evening, and then my morning sugars would be elevated ... 140s, 150s. So I split the dose: I'm now using 1.5u Lantus AM & 1u Lantus PM. It definitely works better than 2u QD, and I've checked the middle of the night - not a problem. The drug sheet for Lantus doesn't mention BID dosing, but my internet articles do. What are your thoughts, and is Levemir better for BID dosing?
Over the last 2 weeks, my average BS - many sticks - is 121. I'm happy with that, although I'd still like to even them out. Eating out makes it difficult when I'm estimating carb content.
BTW, thank you for information on SSRIs & blood sugars. My tx pulmonologist believes lexapro should have a Black box warning re causing diabetes - although he doesn't believe anyone should use anti-depressants. My prograf depression was not 'sadness' so much, but stupid, consistent impulses ... like wrecking my car. Odd, but persistent over years before I tried trazodone, then lexapro. Trazodone still helps me sleep, PRN. I like it bec it's not addictive or anti-chlorinergic.
Over the last 2 weeks, my average BS - many sticks - is 121. I'm happy with that, although I'd still like to even them out. Eating out makes it difficult when I'm estimating carb content.
BTW, thank you for information on SSRIs & blood sugars. My tx pulmonologist believes lexapro should have a Black box warning re causing diabetes - although he doesn't believe anyone should use anti-depressants. My prograf depression was not 'sadness' so much, but stupid, consistent impulses ... like wrecking my car. Odd, but persistent over years before I tried trazodone, then lexapro. Trazodone still helps me sleep, PRN. I like it bec it's not addictive or anti-chlorinergic.
Doctor's Answer
by Anita Ramsetty, MD, Feb 13, 2008 06:48AM
, Feb 13, 2008 06:48AM
Hi,
If this low dose of lantus twice daily is working for you without any problems, there is no reason to change it. Lantus is written as once daily but many doctors(including myself) and patients split the dose because even though it is supposed to be "peakless", it is not for some people. At low doses it works especially well as a split dose. Levemir can be used instead, and is more commonly written as twice daily. But at the doses you are taking there is likely no real benefit of one over the other.
Glad to hear your BS have evened out a bit. It is tough when you are watching those carbs and trying to spread them out, but I am sure you are quite good at it given this is a major basis of CF care(I had alot of experience with CF diabetes during my training in the Bay area).
Glad the SSRI info was helpful.
take care!
If this low dose of lantus twice daily is working for you without any problems, there is no reason to change it. Lantus is written as once daily but many doctors(including myself) and patients split the dose because even though it is supposed to be "peakless", it is not for some people. At low doses it works especially well as a split dose. Levemir can be used instead, and is more commonly written as twice daily. But at the doses you are taking there is likely no real benefit of one over the other.
Glad to hear your BS have evened out a bit. It is tough when you are watching those carbs and trying to spread them out, but I am sure you are quite good at it given this is a major basis of CF care(I had alot of experience with CF diabetes during my training in the Bay area).
Glad the SSRI info was helpful.
take care!
Member Comments (2)
by freddyhinds202, Feb 23, 2008 08:57AM
To: Anita Ramsetty
I am curious as why you do not mention that Glargine(lantus) does NOT have a license for twice daily usage ,levemir has a licensce for OD and BD and has weight benefits for type 2 patients???? or are you heavily sponsored/involved with the manufactureres of glargine? I am interested.
by jjmd3, Apr 30, 2008 02:55AM
A related discussion, other Levemir substitute? was started.
