Safety Alert: Insulin Glargine
Early Research Results About Possible Safety Issue With Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
Diabetologia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), has just published a series of research papers that have examined a possible link between insulin glargine (Lantus) and the risk of being diagnosed with cancer. The results of the studies varied with some showing a link between insulin glargine (Lantus) and cancer, and some showing no link between insulin glargine (Lantus) and cancer. The authors concluded that additional research needs to be conducted on the issue.
Insulin glargine, also known as Lantus insulin, is a member of the new class of insulin analogues used in the treatment of diabetes. It has a very similar structure to human insulin and provides a long-acting source of insulin to lower blood glucose in patients with diabetes.
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What does this mean?
At this time, the risk of cancer associated with insulin glargine (Lantus) is not well defined and needs additional research. Until additional research information is available, you may want to follow up with your doctor to review your treatment with Insulin Glargine if you already have a cancer, or if you are a woman with a family history of breast cancer.
If you are taking Insulin Glargine, it is important for you to continue with this insulin therapy, especially if you have found it helpful in the management of your diabetes. You should not make any changes to your insulin treatment without first consulting your own doctor.
