Medication alert for Idaho prisoners reliant on long-acting insulin.

[This message delivered over JPay to the Idaho Department of Correction resident population Aug. 29, 2025.]

There is a shortage of long-acting insulin (like Lantus and Semglee) across the country.

Because of this, you will be switched to a different type of insulin and follow a new schedule. The new insulin is called NPH. It needs to be taken twice a day. Unlike your current insulin, which works for 24 hours, NPH only works for about 12 to 18 hours. It also has a peak effect at 4 to 8 hours after you take it, which is different from your current insulin.

At first, your blood sugar might be a little higher. We will start you on a lower dose that can be increased if needed to help control your blood sugar better.

We do not expect your blood sugar to go too low, but because NPH can cause a peak effect, you might have mild symptoms like feeling shaky or sweaty. Please keep a snack nearby just in case.

If your symptoms last or happen a lot, seek medical attention and tell your doctor so they can change your dose.

This shortage is expected to last until the end of the year or into January.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.