Insulin glargine: long-acting basal insulin analog for improved metabolic control.

The primary aim of insulin therapy is to replace endogenous insulin secretion in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in a physiologically sound manner, mimicking normal secretion patterns to adequately regulate glucose metabolism. The currently available human insulins for basal therapy--neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH), Lente and Ultralente--and analogs such as insulin glargine, differ in pharmacokinetic properties. Clinical trial data indicate that insulin glargine may satisfy basal insulin requirements, with an improved safety profile relative to other available insulins used for basal supplementation. This review describes the unique pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy of insulin glargine.