Insulin Info: Levemir vs Lantus

levemir vs lantus

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Most of us can probably count on one hand how many times we’ve had an injection of any sort over the last few years, and some people may not have had any at all. On the other hand, a diabetic wouldn’t even be able to count a week’s worth of injections on that hand. That’s because for people with diabetes insulin injections are a daily occurrence, and that means they’ll be using their epi pen or syringe a full seven times a week. For some of these people their physician will have instructed them to use a long-acting insulin, and so that may lead to a discussion of Levemir vs Lantus.

Although that’s not common, as for most people treating diabetes their insulin will be a fast-acting insulin. Also known as rapid-acting or mealtime insulins, it’s more common for a Type 2 diabetic to be using this type of insulin. Long-acting insulins like Levemir and Lantus are for diabetics who need a slower and more gradual release of insulin into their blood stream over the course of the whole day. The first thing we need to determine with Levemir vs Lantus is that while they’re both long acting insulins, they’re different types. One is insulin detemir (Levemir) and the other is insulin glargine (Lantus). 

We’ll look at these two in greater detail here, but in truth a lot of diabetics won’t really care to know much more about the type of insulin they’ve been prescribed. The more pressing issue for many of them is that insulin – any insulin – is difficult to afford. This unaffordability is paired with the fact they don’t have a choice in the matter; they HAVE TO take the insulin, so they have to afford it one way or another.

Some Americans have even organized insulin buying convoys to Canada, and that’s not surprising given that insulin costs less in Canada. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in the USA, but ordering insulin online from Canada may be more possible in the future following a recent White House executive order that is paving the way for Americans to have access to less expensive prescription drugs sourced from outside the country.

But back to topic – Levemir vs Lantus reviews and what makes these long acting insulins different from each other.

Start with Constituency  

The most functional difference between these two insulins is in their consistency. Lantus is a clear formula made with glargine. It’s a genetically modified form of human insulin that’s dissolved in a special solution. Levemir is the same, but it contains dissolved detemir. That’s a different form of genetically modified insulin. This is where we can start our comparison of Levemir vs Lantus. Is this the sort of stuff you need to know?

Absolutely not, and if you’re inclined to just follow doctor’s orders (always a good idea) and take the insulin he or she prescribes for you without needing to know any more then so be it. But if you are inclined to know more, then read on.

Next up will look at a factor that may be more relevant for a lot of people – how often you’ll need to inject your insulin each day. If injecting yourself in your abdomen with a needle is something you still haven’t become entirely comfortable with then then Lantus may be a better choice. That is provided your doctor still determines it’s a match for you. That’s because you need to inject Lantus once a day, while with Levemir you’ll need to inject yourself twice a day.

Better Fits for Type 1 Diabetics, and Reaction Risk  

Moving along with Levemir vs Lantus here, we’ll know shift our focus to the suitability of either based on which type of diabetes mellitus you have. Most diabetics in America are Type 2 diabetics, and for these folks there’s really not much to determine whether Levemir or Lantus will work best for them as a long-acting insulin. Some individuals using an insulin glargine product for Type 1 diabetes will need to use it in conjunction with a fast-acting insulin too. 

If that’s the case for you, Levemir may be the better choice here when comparing Levemir vs Lantus reviews. IF either is to be used with a fast-acting insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes, Levemir has a lower risk of major hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia, or ‘nighttime diabetes’ as it’s more commonly called.

That last thing we’ll touch on with Levemir vs Lantus is that there is more potential for stinging and skin irritation around the injection site for some people with Lantus. The acidic nature of Lantus is what’s behind this, although it is also true that both formulas can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. 


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.


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