Diabetes 101
Whether you have type I or type II diabetes, there is an underlying inability of the body to uptake sugar into the cells. This can result either from type I diabetes, which is autoimmune in nature, or type II diabetes, which involves insulin resistance. Insulin is produced in the body’s pancreas and is released in response to increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin stimulates cells, primarily muscle tissue, to uptake the simple sugar (monomer) glucose and use it for cellular functions. This reduces the levels of blood glucose. Amounts of free glucose in the bloodstream must be tightly regulated by the body, as hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can lead to complications such as blood vessel damage and resulting tissue starvation and injury. This is why injectable insulin medications for diabetes such as Lantus (insulin glargine) or Humilin are key to diabetes management.
Type I Diabetes
Type I diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to produce its own insulin has been compromised or destroyed. It is usually early-onset, which is why type I diabetes used to be commonly referred to as childhood-onset diabetes. Most often with type I, the body fails to properly recognize the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas as belonging to “self.” When this occurs, the immune system mounts a campaign to destroy these cells, which are perceived as invaders. The autoimmune (or “self-immune”) reaction leading to type I diabetes destroys the body’s capacity to create the vital hormone insulin. After the condition has fully developed, the type I diabetes patient is reliant on exogenous (out-of-body) insulin like in order to function.
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance can be defined as a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin. In type II diabetes, the body still produces its own insulin in what should be adequate amounts. However, any number of mechanisms can make the cells which usually recognize insulin unable to do so efficiently enough. Genetic, environmental, nutritional and other factors can lead to the type of insulin resistance found in type II diabetes. So, while the pancreas is releasing insulin to allow cells to take in glucose, the cells themselves no longer have insulin sensitivity. As a result, a large amount of glucose remains in the bloodstream. This can cause a number of varied problems, and the symptoms caused by this excess bloodsugar usually leads to the initial diagnosis of diabetes.
How can Lantus Help?
Both of these conditions lead to the diabetes symptoms of increased appetite (polyphagia), increased thirst (polydipsia), and increased urination (polyuria.) These early but lasting symptoms may seem manageable but they herald more serious damage occurring in the body. Lantus (insulin glargine) is a popular, well-tolerated, long-acting insulin which reduces the need for frequent injections. It manages the levels of blood glucose all day. Instead of having peaks and troughs in blood glucose and insulin levels, this steady-release formula is injected under the skin and released slowly by the body. The ease of use and reduction of difficulty in managing diabetes as a result of using Lantus makes it a top-selling pharmaceutical.
Diabetic Prescription Assistance
If your financial situation or a lack of health insurance makes paying for your diabetes medication prescription difficult, you may be eligible for help from The Rx Helper. We work with government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and nonprofit groups to make sure you can afford your medications. There are over 700 patient assistance programs, each for a specific prescription. We charge a monthly fee which is a fraction of the cost of out of pocket prescription costs to help you navigate, apply for and be approved for prescription assistance. Little or no insurance coverage and a low income, along with a physician’s prescription for the needed medication are good indicators that you may qualify for Lantus prescription assistance.
If you think you qualify for assistance, contact us today!
