Insulin glargine: a new once-daily basal insulin for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Optimal glucose control is the primary goal for treating diabetes mellitus and preventing long-term complications of diabetes, such as coronary heart disease, nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. Insulin glargine is a novel, long-acting human insulin analog that is indicated in type 1 diabetic patients aged >or=6, or in type 2 diabetic patients who require basal insulin for glycemic control. Insulin glargine is a recombinant insulin with a modified structure that allows it to dissolve in an acidic solution, but to precipitate in the physiological subcutaneous tissue forming a depot effect. In contrast to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, insulin glargine has a slower onset, a longer duration of action, and no peak in metabolic activity. Once-daily subcutaneous administration of insulin glargine at bedtime has comparable efficacy to that of NPH insulin once or twice daily when used in combination with bolus insulin in type 1 diabetic patients, or in conjunction with oral antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetic patients. Overall, insulin glargine has similar adverse effects when compared with NPH insulin. Insulin glargine has been associated with less nocturnal hypoglycemia and improved treatment satisfaction in several clinical trials with durations of < 52 weeks. Pharmacoeconomic analysis comparing insulin glargine with other intermediate- or long-acting insulin preparations used as basal insulin therapy has not been performed. In summary, insulin glargine offers a promising alternative as a once-daily basal insulin therapy in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.