Administration of Lantus (Insulin Glargine): Once vs Twice Daily

Clinical Evidence and Administration Guidelines

• For a patient requiring a moderate to high dose of insulin, such as 54 units, once-daily administration of insulin glargine is still appropriate as it provides 24-hour coverage regardless of dose 1
• The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends using glargine once daily, typically in doses of 16 to 24 units, as basal insulin, supplemented with rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes for type 1 diabetes patients 1
• When transitioning from twice-daily NPH to once-daily glargine, a reduction in total daily dose by approximately 20% may be considered to reduce hypoglycemia risk 2
• In hospital settings, basal insulin such as glargine is typically administered once daily as part of a basal-bolus regimen 3, 4