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Lantus vs. NPH: The real difference between the two insulins, which one would you choose?
In the treatment of diabetes, the use of insulin is indispensable. Of the various insulin types, Lantus (insulin glargine) and NPH (neutral proprotein synthase Henderson) are two of the most commonly mentioned options. There are obvious differences between the effectiveness, cost and safety of these two insulins, which makes many diabetic patients confused when choosing.
Lantus is a long-acting modified form of insulin that is usually injected once every 24 hours to steadily lower blood sugar levels.
Features and advantages of Lantus
Since its approval in the United States in 2000, Lantus has become an important choice for diabetic patients around the world. Its effects usually begin within one hour of injection and it does not need to be mixed with other insulins, making it convenient for patients to use.
Lantus is included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, indicating its importance in diabetes treatment.
As a long-acting insulin, the advantage of Lantus is that it can provide uniform blood sugar control, which is particularly suitable for patients who need to stabilize blood sugar for a long time. In addition, the side effects of Lantus have been shown to be relatively mild in multiple studies, with common side effects including hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, and weight gain.
Characteristics and uses of NPH
NPH insulin was introduced in the 1950s and is still preferred by some patients because it is cheaper than Lantus. It is an intermediate-acting insulin that usually requires two to three injections per day. However, the disadvantage of NPH is that its glycemic control is poor and large glycemic fluctuations may occur.
The use of NPH is more popular among patients with gestational diabetes because it has been proven to be a relatively safe choice for pregnant women.
Economic cost considerations
While Lantus provides more stable blood sugar control, its high cost makes it unaffordable for many patients. For some families, choosing NPH may be a more cost-effective option. With the emergence of biosimilar drugs, such as Semglee, many patients have also begun to turn to these alternatives, which are more competitive in price but can provide similar efficacy as Lantus.
The confusion of choice
Patients are often confused when faced with the choice between Lantus and NPH. Related studies have shown that there is no significant difference in the long-term effects of using Lantus and NPH, which makes some doctors reserved about its promotion.
When comparing Lantus to other insulins, many studies have pointed out that its clinical significance for patients' blood sugar control is relatively limited.
Safety and Side Effects
The use of insulin is often accompanied by certain risks. Side effects of Lantus include weight gain and hypoglycemic events. When compared to NPH, NPH also has the risk of hypoglycemia, but due to the characteristics of its dosage form, it may cause patients to struggle with dosage management, thereby affecting their overall blood sugar control.
ConclusionIn the treatment of diabetes, Lantus and NPH each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which insulin often depends on the patient's specific situation and preference. Finally, whether it is Lantus or NPH, how will you choose the insulin treatment plan that suits you?
