Long-acting insulins

Long-acting insulins, such as glargine and detemir, release slowly and provide steady background coverage for about 24 hours with little or no peak. They are usually given once a day at the same time each day. They are never mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. Because they have little peak, low blood sugar is less likely than with NPH, though it can still occur.

• Insulin glargineKnown brand names include Lantus.