Lantus vs. Novolin N: A Comprehensive Comparison for Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a condition in which a person's blood sugar level is higher than normal. Novolin N and Lantus are types of insulin used to keep blood sugar within normal limits.

Classification

• Lantus and Novolin N are classified therapeutically as antidiabetics or hormones. Their pharmacologic classification is pancreatics.

Action

• Both medications lower blood sugar levels by stimulating absorption of glucose in skeletal muscle and fat. They also inhibit the production of glucose in the liver.

Onset

• Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts acting in from one to four hours after being taken. Lantus is a long-acting insulin that starts acting in from one to 10 hours after being injected.

Peak

• The peak time of an insulin is the time during which the blood sugar is most affected. The peak time for Novolin N is four to 12 hours after administration. Lantus does not have a peak time because it is released at a constant rate.

Duration

• Novolin N lasts for from 12 to 18 hours, while Lantus has a duration of up to 24 hours.