Understanding Long-Acting Insulins

Oct 18, 2024

Long-Acting Insulins: Glargine and Detemir

Introduction

  • Long-acting insulins: Glargine and Detemir
  • Key to managing blood sugar levels in diabetics
  • Administered once a day, usually in the evening

Mnemonics and Symbols

  • Insulation: Represents insulin (long pieces symbolize long-acting)
  • Gargoyles: Represent Glargine (sounds like gargoyle)
    • Glargine's brand name: Lantus
  • Determined Detective: Represents Detemir (sounds like detective)
    • Detemir's brand name: Levemir

Pharmacological Properties

  • Daily Administration
    • Usually given once a day, in the evening
  • No Peak Effect
    • Provides a steady, long-lasting effect
    • Duration: Approximately 24 hours
  • Mechanism
    • Counters the liver's natural glucose release
    • Maintains baseline blood glucose levels

Clinical Use

  • Typically combined with rapid-acting insulins for post-meal glucose spikes
  • Used to maintain baseline blood sugar in absence of meals

Important Administration Tips

  • Cannot be Mixed with Other Insulins
    • Must be administered in their own syringe
    • If combined with rapid-acting insulin, requires two separate injections

Summary

  • Long-acting insulins: Glargine and Detemir
  • Administered once daily, no peak, 24-hour duration
  • Must be given in separate syringes

Conclusion

  • Important for maintaining baseline blood glucose control in diabetic patients
  • Remember the mnemonics to differentiate Glargine and Detemir on test day

  • Note: Mnemonics can aid in recalling drug names and properties effectively for exams and clinical practice.