Insulin glargine is a basal insulin which can be utilized by both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It is a long-acting insulin meant to help keep a stable baseline in the body; it does not replace fast-acting insulin or other antidiabetic medications that may be needed following a meal.

Patients can buy insulin glargine by a number of brand names, including Lantus, Toujeo, Basaglar, and others. All patients need to be aware that these products are not interchangeable; daily dosage amount will vary between them. Any patient buying insulin glargine should double-check that the correct product was supplied prior to administration.

Note that this medication is administered by injection. Depending on brand and what product is purchased, it may come in injection pens or in vials. If vials are purchased, syringes will need to be purchased separately. All brands can be refrigerated, though they should not be frozen. Most brands are also fine at room temperature or lower, provided they're kept out of direct sunlight. Patients should check storage instructions for the particular brand being purchased.

What Insulin Glargine Does

Insulin glargine provides the body with low levels of background insulin, which helps keep blood glucose stable in between meals or overnight. If needed---as is certainly the case with type 1 diabetics---other, faster-acting insulin products or other medications can be taken with meals to prevent blood glucose spikes.

In other words, insulin glargine works by:

• Replacing insulin not produced by the body
• Promoting glucose absorption from the blood into other tissues, where it is used as energy
• Inhibiting the liver's production of glucose

The medication stays effective in the body for roughly 24 hours, though there is some variability between brands. The majority of patients who buy insulin glargine administer it just once per day, often near bedtime, though any time of day is fine. Once an administration time has been chosen, administering the medication at the same time each day is important. If wishing to change administration time, it is best done by administering the medication three hours before or past the normal time until the new, desired time is reached.

All patients who buy insulin glargine should also be aware of the importance of closely monitoring blood glucose at the start of treatment and following any dosage adjustments. This is especially critical if also taking other antidiabetic treatments. Low blood glucose, known as hypoglycemia, is a very real risk and can be as dangerous as high blood glucose.

Type 1 Diabetics

Type 1 diabetics are unable to produce sufficient insulin to manage blood glucose, and therefore require insulin supplementation. Many type 1 diabetics buy insulin glargine to help keep base insulin stable, though a fast-acting insulin following a meal is very important; insulin glargine alone is not enough to manage blood glucose spikes.

Dosage will be individualized by patient; follow doctor instructions carefully. Remember, different brands are not interchangeable dosage-wise even if they contain the same active ingredient.

A doctor should also explain and show patients how to administer a given medication, whether it comes in vials or injection pens. Some general guidelines that are true for the vast majority of patients:

• Insulin glargine should be administered once per day, at the same time each day.
• Injection sites include the abdominal area, the thighs, or the deltoids.
• Injection sites should be rotated each day to reduce risk of skin irritation.
• This medication should not be administered intravenously or via an insulin pump.
• This medication should not be diluted or mixed with other types of insulin.

Most type 1 diabetics who buy insulin glargine find the medication quite beneficial, keeping base insulin levels stable throughout the day and night, though additional insulin will, again, be needed following meals.

Type 2 Diabetics

Type 2 diabetics are unable to properly utilize insulin and may reach a point in which insulin is no longer produced in sufficient quantity to manage blood glucose. These patients are a little more complicated than type 1, though if diabetes has reached a point where insulin is needed, buying insulin glargine will likely be an option. There are, however, exceptions; consulting a doctor prior to initiating treatment is important.

For these patients insulin glargine can absolutely provide benefit, though there are many variables than can influence treatment. Treatment is one injection per day, as with type 1 diabetics, but dosage is typically more varied depending on need, other medications being taken, and other personal variables. For instance, some type 2 diabetics may require fast-acting insulin following meals, while others may not. Again, consulting a doctor is very important before buying insulin glargine.

Another factor for type 2 diabetics is lifestyle. While genetics play a role to some degree, in most cases lifestyle at least influences type 2 diabetes, and in many cases is the predominant cause. Personal lifestyle changes will almost certainly be advised by a doctor, and patients are strongly encouraged to try their best to follow this advice. While lifestyle changes may be unpleasant at first, patients will adjust---and it is often the only way to manage type 2 diabetes without heavy dependency on medications.

In summary, type 2 diabetics should speak with a doctor about buying insulin glargine and, if the medication is approved, follow doctor instructions closely. Use of the medication is simply too varied to state dosage & administration guidelines.

A Pharmacy at your Fingertips

Kiwi Drug is pleased to offer our clientele the opportunity to buy insulin glargine. This medication can help both type 1 and type 2 diabetics manage their condition by providing a long-acting, background insulin to help keep blood glucose under control. While other insulin-type medications may be needed as well---particularly for type 1 diabetics---those who take insulin glargine can enjoy an improved quality of life, with a reduced risk of serious---even deadly---diabetes-related complications.

Clients will need a prescription to buy insulin glargine. If you don't have one, you're welcome to take advantage of our online doctor services for no additional charge. Simply add the product to your cart, initiate checkout, and answer the questions about your medical history and other medications being taken to see if you qualify.

Patients who already have a prescription to buy insulin glargine will be given options to transfer it to us after completing checkout.

All of our clients are welcome to contact us any time with questions or concerns. We're standing by to help!