Once-daily shot of insulin can control diabetes

A once-daily shot of insulin (Lantus) can control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes just as well as injecting insulin (Humalog) three times a day. Type 2 diabetes, often linked to being overweight and obese, is caused by the body's inability to properly use the hormone insulin, which transports blood sugar to the cells for energy. Type 1 diabetes, which is less common, results from the body's failure to produce insulin. Maintaining strict blood sugar control is critical to avoid the complications of diabetes, which can include blindness, kidney failure, and even amputations. Oral medications, along with lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise, can often control type 2 diabetes in the beginning. But, in many cases, insulin needs to be added to a patient's regimen as the disease progresses. American researchers studied more than 400 men and women with type 2 diabetes that was poorly controlled by oral medication were randomly assigned to receive either insulin glargine (Lantus) or insulin lispro (Humalog). Lantus is known as a "basal" insulin analogue, meaning it is given once a day either in the morning or at night; it lasts for about 24 hours. Insulin lispro is shorter-acting and is administered with meals. The trial, conducted at 69 study sites in Europe and Australia, lasted 44 weeks. All participants continued to take oral medications. Blood sugar control was about equivalent in the two groups, with a decrease of 1.7 per cent in the Lantus group and 1.9 per cent in the Humalog group. Lantus was associated with a lower risk of low blood sugar. It also offered the advantages of fewer injections and less blood glucose monitoring throughout the day (only once before breakfast). It was also found that people taking Lantus experienced less weight gain. The findings showed slight benefits for insulin glargine in terms of patient satisfaction and low blood sugar. Thus, Lantus seems to present another, viable option for people with type 2 diabetes, and one that fits with current treatment recommendations. The study also confirms that insulin is effective and there are good reasons to use insulin if oral agents are not working.