Insulin glargine 300 u/ML is associated with long-term glycemic control and lower rates of hypoglycemia

This study looked at the safety and efficacy of long-acting insulin drug, Gla-300 in maintaining glycemic (blood sugar) control in adults with type 1 diabetes. This study concluded that patients taking Gla-300 had better glycemic control than those using Gla-100, a lower dose of the same basal insulin glargine. 

Glycemic control is of key importance in patients with diabetes. It reduces the risk of developing complications such as kidney or retina (eye) damage. Patients with type 1 diabetes must administer insulin (the hormone that breaks down glucose taken in from food) in order to achieve glycemic control. Insulin glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting (basal) insulin that is commonly used. Studies have suggested that insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla-300) may be more effective than insulin glargine 100 u/ml (Gla-100). 

This study included 243 participants with type 1 diabetes. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either Gla-100 or Gla-300 over a 12-month period. Treatment was administered once daily in the evening. Patients continued to also use mealtime (fast-acting) insulin. HbA1c (average blood glucose over 3 months), hypoglycemic events (dangerously low blood glucose) and side effects were measured.

After 12 months, average HbA1c levels were 7.9% in the Gla-300 group and 7.8% in the Gla-100 group. Patients treated with Gla-300 had a 38% lower rate of nighttime hypoglycemia (blood glucose less than 3.9 mmol/L) compared to Gla-100. Gla-300 was also associated with a lower rate of severe hypoglycemia (3.0 mmol/L).

This study concluded that Gla-300 was associated with long-term glycemic control and a lower rate of nighttime and severe hypoglycemic events compared with Gla-100. 

This study was conducted in Japan. The results may not be similar for all ethnicities.