In the Spotlight: Role of Gla-100 in the Glycemic Management of Hospitalized people with diabetes

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients represent a major concern as they are associated with adverse outcomes-including increased rates of infection, longer hospital stay, and even death. Insulin therapy is the mainstay in the management of inpatient hyperglycemia. The traditional approach of sliding scale insulin (SSI) therapy for the temporary management of blood glucose levels in hospitalized patients, has now given way to basal-bolus insulin (BBI) therapy. This is owing to the BBI affording a better glycemic control in non-critical hospital settings as observed in multiple clinical studies using insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) as the basal component. Furthermore, a string of clinical studies has also attested to Gla-100 being used effectively even in patients on corticosteroids, enteral or parenteral nutrition, and in perioperative settings. Hence, overall, the existing evidence would point to the growing role of BBI regimens centering around basal insulin like Gla-100 as an effective option with low safety concerns for insulin therapy in both hospitalized and out-patient settings in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).