When you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes your doctor will recommend healthy eating and regular physical activity. Your doctor may also advise you to take tablets to help your own body’s insulin to work better. An important goal when you have type 2 diabetes is to keep your blood sugar level within a normal range. For most people it’s between 4.0 mmol/L and 8.0 mmol/L but your doctor will tell you what your target range should be. Another good measure of how well your blood sugars are controlled over time is the HbA1c test which your doctor will usually do every 3 months. Ask your doctor about your HbA1c test result.1,2
High blood sugars left untreated over time can cause serious problems affecting your eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and heart meaning you might not be able to be there for the people you love. Following your doctor’s advice and generally looking after yourself are all great ways to try and manage Type 2 diabetes.
Sometimes making changes to your lifestyle and taking tablets simply aren’t enough to get your blood sugar under control, no matter how hard you try. That’s because Type 2 diabetes tends to change over time, you may start making less of your own insulin, or the insulin becomes less effective.
Talk to your doctor about your blood sugar levels. If you’re told that your current diabetes treatments are no longer enough to keep your levels under control, it may be time to look at other options to help manage your blood sugar. Your doctor may suggest adding insulin to your diabetes treatment plan, its normal for people with type 2 diabetes to need to go on insulin at some stage.2
One treatment option may be Lantus®. It’s a once-a-day treatment that gives you a steady release of insulin overnight and between meals to help control your blood sugar for a full 24 hours. And comes in an easy use Lantus® SoloSTAR® pen.3
So ask your doctor if helping control high blood sugar with Lantus® is right for you.
For more information on Lantus click here: https://www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz/products/lantus/
References
- Diabetes and Insulin. Diabetes New Zealand. November 2013
- NZ Primary Care Handbook. Ministry of Health. 2012
- Lantus Data Sheet. 31 July.2017
Lantus (insulin glargine injection 100U/ml) is a Prescription Medicine that is part of the daily treatment of Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lantus has risks and benefits. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your doctor. For further information please refer to the Lantus Consumer Medicine Information on the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz. Lantus is fully reimbursed. Normal doctors charges and Pharmacy fees apply. Sanofi New Zealand, Auckland-Freephone 0800 283 684. SAANZ.GLA.18.03.0128. Date of Preparation March 2018. TAPS NA9930