What Is Basaglar? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Basaglar is a brand-name long-acting insulin prescribed to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. If you or someone you love has just been prescribed Basaglar — or if you're switching from another insulin — this guide covers everything you need to know to use it safely and effectively in 2026.

What Is Basaglar?

Basaglar (insulin glargine injection) is a long-acting human insulin analog manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was first FDA-approved on December 16, 2015. Basaglar contains 100 units of insulin glargine per mL (U-100) and is delivered via the Basaglar KwikPen — a disposable, prefilled pen that comes in a box of five 3-mL pens.

Basaglar is classified as a "follow-on" insulin glargine product — it has the same amino acid sequence as Lantus (another insulin glargine made by Sanofi) but was approved through its own clinical pathway and is not interchangeable with Lantus at the pharmacy.

What Is Basaglar Used For?

Basaglar is FDA-approved to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control in:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus: Adults and children ages 6 and older. In Type 1 diabetes, Basaglar must be used together with a shorter-acting (mealtime) insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Adults only. Basaglar is prescribed when other diabetes medications (pills or non-insulin injectables) are not adequately controlling blood sugar.

Basaglar is NOT for use in:

• Treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a medical emergency requiring different treatment.
• Episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — do not inject Basaglar when you're already low.
• Children under 6 years with Type 1 diabetes or children with Type 2 diabetes.

How Is Basaglar Dosed?

Basaglar is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily at the same time each day. Your healthcare provider will determine your specific dose based on your blood sugar levels, weight, and other factors. General starting dose guidelines include:

• Type 2 diabetes: Typically 0.2 units/kg of body weight or up to 10 units once daily to start. Doses are adjusted based on fasting blood glucose readings.
• Type 1 diabetes: Starting dose is approximately one-third of the total daily insulin requirement. The remaining insulin requirement is covered by shorter-acting insulin given before meals.

Each Basaglar KwikPen can deliver between 1 and 80 units per injection in 1-unit increments. If your dose exceeds 80 units, you'll need more than one injection.

How Do You Use the Basaglar KwikPen?

Here is a simplified overview of Basaglar KwikPen use. Always read the full Instructions for Use that comes with your pen:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Check the pen label — verify you have Basaglar, not a rapid-acting insulin.
3. Attach a new needle (sold separately — use compatible BD insulin pen needles).
4. Prime the pen with a 2-unit safety shot before the first use of each new pen.
5. Dial to your prescribed dose.
6. Inject into the abdomen, upper thigh, or outer back of the upper arm — rotate sites with each injection.
7. Hold the pen in place for 10 seconds after injection, then remove the needle.
8. Dispose of the needle in a sharps container — never recap used needles.

How Should Basaglar Be Stored?

Proper storage is critical for insulin effectiveness:

• Unopened pens: Store in refrigerator (36°F–46°F / 2°C–8°C). Do not freeze. Use by the expiration date on the label.
• In-use pens: Can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 28 days after first use. Discard after 28 days even if insulin remains.
• Never expose to direct sunlight, extreme heat, or freezing temperatures.
• Do not shake — insulin should not be shaken (Basaglar is a clear, colorless solution).

What Makes Basaglar Different from Other Insulins?

Unlike rapid-acting insulins (like Humalog or NovoLog) that peak quickly and are used at mealtimes, Basaglar has a slow, steady release that provides a baseline level of insulin throughout the day and night — approximately 24 hours of coverage. It does not have a pronounced peak in action, which makes it better suited for basal (background) insulin coverage rather than controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes.

For more on how Basaglar works in the body, see our guide: How does Basaglar work?. If you're having trouble filling your Basaglar prescription, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find one that has it in stock.