Paper II
2019 February (2010 Scheme)

Question

Insulin Glargine

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analogue.

Mechanism/pharmacokinetics

  • Precipitates at the subcutaneous injection site (due to its acidic formulation becoming neutral at tissue pH), forming microprecipitates that slowly dissolve and release insulin over ~24 hours
  • Produces a relatively flat, peakless plasma insulin profile

Uses

  • Basal insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, given once daily

Advantages

  • Reduced risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia compared to NPH insulin
  • More predictable, steady basal coverage

Adverse effects

  • Hypoglycaemia (less than NPH)
  • Injection site reactions
  • Weight gain

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