Final answer:
Insulin glargine is a long-acting form of insulin engineered to provide a consistent level of glucose control over a 24-hour period for individuals with type 1 diabetes, helping them manage their blood sugar levels more predictably.
Step-by-step explanation:
Insulin glargine is a form of insulin that is used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. It is a long-acting insulin, engineered to have a slow release rate, which helps maintain a steady level of insulin in the body over a 24-hour period. Insulin is an endocrine hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and assists in the regulation of blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin glargine is produced through recombinant DNA technology using gene cloning, which allows for production of insulin that is identical to human insulin produced in the pancreas. It offers more stable and predictable control of blood glucose and is an important option for managing type 1 diabetes, where the body cannot produce insulin on its own. Unlike sulfonylureas, such as gliclazide, which stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, insulin glargine provides a consistent level of insulin without the risk of stimulating excess release, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
Moreover, people with type 1 diabetes have a mutation in the gene that codes for insulin, leading to harmful high levels of blood glucose. Insulin injections are the only current treatment to manage this condition. Insulin glargine is one such injection that can be prescribed, providing a more consistent and predictable glucose control, which can be especially important when managing patients with various complications.