About Insulin glargine
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
A long-acting (basal) insulin. It keeps blood sugar steady through the day and night in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
How to take it
Inject once a day at the same time, under the skin of the belly or thigh. Change the spot each day. Do not mix it with other insulins in the same syringe.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar.
- Lumps under the skin if the same spot is used again and again.
Call your doctor if
- Sugar below 70 mg/dL more than once a week.
- Fasting sugar stays high even after the dose is increased.
Take care
Do not stop insulin on your own, even on sick days. Call the doctor instead.
From our clinic: Keep spare pens in the fridge at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze. The pen in use can stay at room temperature, below 30°C and away from sunlight, for up to 4 weeks (some strengths longer; check the leaflet). Use a new needle each time.