Insulin Glargine
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1072 · Metabolic · Sources fetched 2026-09-11 · Editorial standards
Insulin Glargine (also known as Basaglar, Glargine, Lantus, Lantus Solostar) is a metabolic research peptide. Insulin Glargine is a long-acting human insulin analog and an insulin receptor agonist, FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Insulin Glargine, also known as Basaglar or Lantus, is an FDA-approved long-acting human insulin analog that acts as an insulin receptor agonist. It is indicated for improving glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin Glargine is administered subcutaneously and is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Research on Insulin Glargine includes studies on its use in diabetes mellitus, as well as investigations into conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, prediabetic states, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. The literature also covers topics such as insulin glargine overdose and its role as the first interchangeable biosimilar insulin.
1 Mechanism of action
Insulin receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Insulin receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
2.2 Side effects
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reaction
- Lipodystrophy
- Pruritus
- Rash
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 160337-95-1 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 6063 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Brand names | BASAGLAR KwikPen |
| Route | SUBCUTANEOUS |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Insulin receptor |
4 Research dosages
Individualize dosage based on metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring, glycemic control, type of diabetes, prior insulin use. Administer subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, but at the same time every day.
5 Research studies (8)
- Insulin Glargine
(1994) · Review - Insulin glargine
Drugs (2000) - Insulin glargine overdose
Journal of pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics (2012) · Case Series - Continuous Glucose Monitoring Profiles and Health Outcomes After Dapagliflozin Plus Saxagliptin vs Insulin Glargine
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (2024) · RCT - The First Interchangeable Biosimilar Insulin: Insulin Glargine-yfgn
Journal of diabetes science and technology (2023) · Review - Once-weekly insulin icodec vs. daily insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis with longitudinal insights
Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) (2025) · Review - Insulin glargine use during pregnancy
Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (2011) · Review - Insulin glargine
Lancet (London, England) (2000)
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Insulin Glargine is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- During episodes of hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any excipients
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), sulfonamide antibiotics | Increased risk of hypoglycemia | High |
| Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), thyroid hormones | Decreased blood glucose lowering effect | High |
| Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts | Increased or decreased blood glucose lowering effect | Moderate |
| Pentamidine | Hypoglycemia, sometimes followed by hyperglycemia | Moderate |
| Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine | Blunt signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- transmission of blood-borne pathogens from sharing pens
- hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen
- life-threatening hypoglycemia
- hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis
- life-threatening hypokalemia
- fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
6.5 Research best practices
- Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use
- Protect from heat and light
- Do not freeze
- In-use prefilled pens must be used within 28 days or be discarded
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is Insulin Glargine used for?
- Insulin Glargine is used to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a long-acting human insulin analog.
- How does Insulin Glargine work?
- Insulin Glargine works as an insulin receptor agonist. It mimics the action of natural insulin, helping to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells and reducing glucose production by the liver.
- Is Insulin Glargine FDA approved?
- Yes, Insulin Glargine is FDA approved. It was first approved in 2000 and is marketed under names such as Basaglar and Lantus.
- What are the common side effects of Insulin Glargine?
- Common side effects associated with Insulin Glargine include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema, and weight gain. Patients should monitor for these effects.
- What are the contraindications for Insulin Glargine?
- Insulin Glargine is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients with a known hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any of its excipients. It should not be used in these situations.
8 References
- Insulin Glargine — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Insulin Glargine — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Insulin Glargine — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Insulin Glargine — published literature (2,821 records) PubMed. View source
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