What are the guidelines for taking Baslagar (insulin) 20 units twice a day?

From the Guidelines

To take Baslagar (insulin) 20 units twice a day, administer one injection of 20 units in the morning and another injection of 20 units in the evening, ideally at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood glucose levels. Use a clean insulin syringe or pen device, and rotate injection sites between areas such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or buttocks to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps that can affect insulin absorption) 1. Before injecting, clean the skin with alcohol and allow it to dry. Store unopened insulin in the refrigerator, while in-use insulin can typically be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. Always check your blood glucose regularly as directed by your healthcare provider, and be aware of signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness. Keep fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or juice nearby to treat low blood sugar episodes.

Some key considerations for insulin therapy include:

• Starting with a safe estimate for initiating prandial insulin, such as 4 units or 10% of the basal insulin dose at the largest meal 1
• Titration of the insulin dose based on home glucose monitoring or A1C, with adjustments made every 3 days as needed 1
• Being mindful of the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when adjusting the insulin dose or when physical activity is performed near meal times 1
• Coordinating food intake with insulin administration to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia and optimize blood glucose control 1

It's essential to follow the specific guidelines and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider, as individual needs may vary. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and adjustments to the insulin regimen as needed can help minimize the risks associated with insulin therapy and optimize blood glucose control 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Humulin R U-100, when used subcutaneously, is usually given three or more times daily before meals. The average range of total daily insulin requirement for maintenance therapy in insulin-treated patients without severe insulin resistance lies between 0.5 and 1 unit/kg/day.

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Baslagar (Insulin) Guidelines

The guidelines for taking Baslagar (insulin) 20 units twice a day are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following general guidelines for insulin therapy can be applied:

• Insulin is the primary treatment in all patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) 2
• For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin is considered alone or in combination with oral agents when HbA1c is ≥ 7.5% (≥ 58 mmol/mol) 2
• The preferred method of insulin initiation in T2DM is to begin by adding a long-acting (basal) insulin or once-daily premixed/co-formulation insulin or twice-daily premixed insulin, alone or in combination with other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) 2
• Blood glucose monitoring is an integral part of effective insulin therapy and should not be omitted in the patient's care plan 2
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values should be used to titrate basal insulin, whereas both FPG and postprandial glucose (PPG) values should be used to titrate mealtime insulin 2

Important Considerations

• Insulin resistance may not be the primary genetic factor for type 2 diabetes, and beta-cell dysfunction may play a more significant role 3
• Efforts to diminish insulin resistance and preserve beta-cell function should be beneficial 3
• High-dose insulin therapy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease 4
• The health risks associated with hyperinsulinemia may have implications for treatment regimens used in type 2 diabetes 4

Insulin Therapy

• Once-weekly insulins provide a unique opportunity to simplify basal insulin therapy and allow good glycaemic control with a low risk of hypoglycaemia 5
• Several approaches to developing a stable and effective once-weekly insulin have been proposed, but insulin icodec and basal insulin Fc (insulin efsitora alfa) are the only two formulations for which clinical studies have been reported 5
• The results of Phase I and II studies emphasize both efficacy and potential risks and adverse events 5