Resource on insulin use helps Canadians with type 2 diabetes maintain healthy blood-glucose levels

An estimated 1.5 million Canadians living with diabetes can’t achieve their glycemic targets. Sanofi Canada brought together a panel of Canadian experts—including GPs, nurses, nurse practitioners, endocrinologists, dietitians, pharmacists, and a psychologist—to address the common barriers people face in reaching their target glucose levels. Their recommendations can be found in “Insulin matters: A practical approach to basal insulin management in type 2 diabetes,” published in Diabetes Therapy.

Canadians with type 2 diabetes may need to take insulin to achieve their target glucose levels and to reduce their risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, loss of vision, and amputation of the lower limbs. Since insulin introduction (initiation) and dose increase (intensification) are important factors in the management of diabetes, the panel’s goal was to help break down and address barriers people may face regarding insulin—to demystify insulin and its use, and acknowledge the fear of needles and potential undesirable effects. Insulin initiation can help patients lead a healthy life along with the help of their health care team. 

A health care team is a vital resource to learn about the tools available for managing diabetes. Canadians can learn about their target glucose levels, healthy eating, and exercise plans and the best treatment options, including their insulin initiation plan. 

Insulin is a natural replacement hormone therapy that can be used when the pancreas can’t produce enough on its own, due to the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes. A new generation of long-acting basal insulins makes it possible to lower the amount of glucose in the blood. This includes insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300, Toujeo, Sanofi), which was approved by Health Canada in 2015 and studied in a large clinical program. This insulin needs to be taken only once a day, helping Canadians maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, not limited by their medication. 

“Insulin matters: A practical approach to basal insulin management in type 2 diabetes” can be found at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13300-018-0375-7.