Which insulin is considered safe to give at bedtime?

Lantus, also known as insulin glargine, is considered safe to administer at bedtime because it is a long-acting insulin that provides a steady release of insulin over a 24-hour period. This characteristic makes it ideal for maintaining basal insulin levels throughout the night, helping to manage blood glucose levels during fasting periods. Administering Lantus at bedtime can reduce the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to other insulins that have shorter durations of action.

In contrast, NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a peak action typically occurring 4-6 hours after administration, which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia during the night if given at bedtime. Humalog, a rapid-acting insulin, is employed mainly for mealtime coverage and does not provide the steady blood glucose management needed overnight. Regular insulin, while it can be used for controlling blood sugar, also has a relatively quick peak effect which is not ideal for nighttime management. Therefore, Lantus is specifically designed for once-daily use, often at bedtime, to ensure optimal glucose control during fasting hours.