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Risks of Using Insulin Glargine

By Oguz Ozdemir

On July 1, 2009 the Food and Drug Administration released information regarding the findings of four observational studies that were recently published regarding the possibility of increased forms of cancer by users of Lantus or insulin glargine.

Insulin glargine is similar to human insulin and is used by people who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels. Insulin glargine, also known as Lantus, is able to control blood sugar levels for longer periods of time and is injected under the skin once a day.

All four studies showed some sign of cancer with the use of Lantus and three of the four studies showed an increase in cancer as a result of using Lantus. The tests were initiated based on European findings that the use of Lantus led to an increased risk of cancer in patients who had diabetes and used the insulin glargine.

There are over 200 million people around the world who have diabetes. Ten percent of these people are born with Type 1 diabetes or developed it in childhood. The other 90 percent have Type 2 diabetes which is generally brought about through obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Type 1 diabetics are generally insulin dependent from the start as their body is unable to produce insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetics can usually control their blood sugar levels through prescription medications, diet and exercise and only require insulin later in life if they are unable to produce it on their own.

One of the clinical tests was conducted in Germany on 127,000 insulin dependent patients. The study showed that there was an increase in the risk of cancer by patients who used Lantus and the risk increased along with the dosage. Patients who took a dose of 10U of Lantus had a 9 percent increased risk of cancer while a dose of 50U increased their risk by 31 percent.

The Food and Drug Administration found these findings incomplete but did not underestimate the seriousness of the reports. They are in no way suggesting that anyone who is insulin dependent stop taking insulin, however, they do suggest that patients should consult with their physician or health care professional in trying other forms of insulin or medications to control their blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can create short term and more serious long term complications.

If you or someone you know is insulin dependent and use Lantus insulin glargine you may want to take some precautions and speak with your physician. Do not stop taking your insulin but you may want to change your insulin type if you show any signs of any type of cancer. You may also want to contact the Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm for help in handling this situation. Our lawyers can help you determine the best course of action to take.

If you live in New York you can make an appointment to come to our office which is located in the Empire State building. We also have offices throughout the country. We are committed to helping our clients realize the justice that they deserve.

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Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Oguz Ozdemir

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on July 29, 2009 (boomark / email).