What is the equivalent dose of insulin when converting from 64 units of Lantus (insulin glargine) to another type of insulin?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

To convert 64 units of Lantus to another type of insulin, such as Toujeo, you would need approximately 21.3 units of Toujeo, as it is three times more concentrated than Lantus. When converting between these insulins, it's essential to consider the differences in concentration and potency. Toujeo is a U-300 formulation of insulin glargine, whereas Lantus is a U-100 formulation, making Toujeo three times more potent per volume 1. The conversion can be calculated by dividing the Lantus dose by 3 (64 ÷ 3 = 21.3). However, it's crucial to note that insulin dosing is not always a straightforward mathematical conversion, and individual responses may vary. Some key points to consider when converting between insulins include:

  • Starting with a slightly lower dose of the new insulin and adjusting based on blood glucose monitoring
  • Making the change under medical supervision, as the healthcare provider may recommend a different conversion based on the patient's specific situation, diabetes control, and other medications
  • Being aware of the benefits of switching to a more concentrated insulin, such as Toujeo, which provides more stable insulin levels with less risk of hypoglycemia and requires less volume for injection 1. It's also important to consider the patient's overall diabetes management plan, including their diet, exercise, and other medications, when converting between insulins. The American Diabetes Association provides guidelines for insulin therapy, including the initiation and titration of basal and prandial insulins, as well as the use of combination injectable therapy to reduce postprandial glucose excursions 1.

From the Research

Equivalent Dose of Insulin

The provided studies do not directly address the equivalent dose of insulin when converting from 64 units of Lantus (insulin glargine) to another type of insulin.

Key Findings

  • The studies primarily compare the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) with other insulins, such as glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100) and insulin degludec, in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The results show that Gla-300 has a similar efficacy to other insulins in terms of glycemic control, but may have a lower risk of hypoglycemia 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • However, none of the studies provide a direct conversion factor for switching from Lantus to another type of insulin.

Limitations

  • The studies do not provide information on the equivalent dose of insulin when converting from Lantus to another type of insulin.
  • The studies focus on comparing the efficacy and safety of different insulins, rather than providing guidance on dose conversion.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.