Insulin Management Tools
There are some insulin management tools out there to help you manage
your blood sugar.
When you know your blood sugar level, it helps guide how much insulin your body
needs. You can test your blood sugar with a tool called a blood glucose meter.
The glucose meter uses a very small amount of blood—no more than a drop—to
see how much sugar is in your blood. That way, you can see if your levels are where
they need to be.
Here are some tips for choosing a blood glucose meter:
- The meter takes a very small amount of blood
- Blood sugar results are displayed quickly
- The readout is large enough that you can easily see the numbers
- The meter can store a number of readings to help you and your doctor determine your
blood sugar patterns
- It's easy for you to use, set, and clean
- It is within your budget, or it is covered by your insurance
Other insulin management tools
When you're managing your blood sugar, with insulin, you have options for how to
inject it.
Insulin pens can be easy to use and discreet—especially when
traveling and on the go. Insulin pumps are another insulin device that work for
many people. They work by keeping a constant supply of insulin pumping
into the body through a tube that’s placed under your skin. APIDRA® (insulin
glulisine [rDNA origin] injection)—a rapid acting insulin from the maker
of LANTUS®—is approved for pump use. LANTUS® should not be administered
intravenously or via an insulin pump.
Indications and Usage for Apidra®
Prescription Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes
or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood
sugar control. Apidra® given by subcutaneous injection is usually used with
a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be
given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Important Safety Information for Apidra® (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection)
Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you
are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.
"When my doctor first told me I had diabetes, I was kind of concerned. It was like, 'What am I going to do now?' It all seemed complicated."
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Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
Important Safety Information for Apidra® (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection)
Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you
are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Apidra®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision. Apidra® must only be used if the solution is clear and
colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes
with others.
Apidra®, when given by injection under the skin, should not be mixed with insulins
other than NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or
for intravenous administration.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Apidra®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include low blood potassium, injection site reactions,
such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, such
as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening,
is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Apidra®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Indications and Usage for Apidra®
Prescription Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes
or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood
sugar control. Apidra® given by subcutaneous injection is usually used with
a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be
given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Click here for Full Prescribing Information for Apidra®.
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