Acre receives 913 insulin glargine pens for patients served by SUS Sesacre Acre received, this Tuesday (21), a batch of insulin glargine that will be distributed by the Unified Health System (SUS) during the gradual replacement of NPH insulin. In total, 913 tubes of the medicine and 249 reusable pens were delivered for application. The medicine will initially be intended for patients aged 2 to 18 years with type 1 diabetes and people aged 70 or over with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. ? Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp ? Insulin glargine is a long-acting medicine that, in most cases, only requires one daily application. Across the country, around 383 thousand tubes have already started to be distributed to the states. The submission comes from the Ministry of Health, which aims to expand access to more modern treatment for people with diabetes. Saúde em Dia: insulin glargine starts to be offered in the SUS READ MORE: Lack of care leaves diabetic patients without assistance in Rio Branco polyclinic: 'Underassisted' Acre records 223 deaths from diabetes in more than 1 year, says bulletin After more than a month of absence, Acre returns to distributing insulin to patients with diabetes The Ministry of Health's expectation is that the change will contribute to more stable blood glucose control, reduce the risk of hypoglycemia episodes and facilitate adherence to treatment, as it can reduce the number of applications needed throughout the day. The replacement of NPH insulin with glargine will occur gradually, according to the clinical assessment of patients treated in the public health network. According to the ministry, the initiative allows for the national production of the medicine and seeks to ensure greater security in the public network supply. Who can receive it? At this stage, the following will have access to the medicine: children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 with type 1 diabetes; people aged 70 or over with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Supply will be made after clinical evaluation and medical prescription. How to access? To receive insulin glargine through the SUS, the patient must look for the nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS) and take the issued and stamped medical prescription. In the case of children and adolescents, parents, guardians or caregivers can also request the replacement of NPH insulin with glargine. Before changing treatment, the patient will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, who will check whether there is an indication for changing the medication. Guidance will also be provided on the correct way to apply, store and preserve insulin. In addition to the medicine tubes, eligible patients will receive a reusable pen for application, valid for up to three years, and the needles necessary for treatment. Before changing treatment, the patient will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team Reproduction Difference between Glargine and NPH insulin The main difference between the two types of medication is the time of action: glargine lasts up to 24 hours and has no peak, while NPH acts for 12 to 18 hours and has a peak between 4 and 8 hours, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia, especially at night. ?Practical implications NPH: as it has peak action, it can cause nocturnal hypoglycemia if applied at night. It often requires two daily applications. Glargine: maintains constant insulin levels, reducing blood glucose fluctuations. Generally, one application per day is enough, which simplifies treatment. VIDEOS: g1