Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tresiba vs. Basaglar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Basaglar (insulin glargine) are both long-acting insulins used to control high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Tresiba is only available as a brand name and can be taken at any time of the day, while Basaglar, also only available as a brand, should be taken at the same time each day. Tresiba can be used by children as young as 1 year old for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, whereas Basaglar is approved for type 1 diabetes in children aged 6 years and up and type 2 diabetes in adults. Tresiba lasts longer at room temperature (56 days) compared to Basaglar (28 days). Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but Basaglar has additional side effects like high blood pressure and back pain. Lastly, Tresiba uses one of the smallest needles possible, which might be more comfortable for some users.

  • Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
    Basaglar (insulin glargine)
  • Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
    Basaglar (insulin glargine)

  • Summary of Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It's injected under the skin once per day. Insulin degludec (Tresiba) comes as a vial and FlexTouch pen. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. Tresiba is available as a brand-name medication and an unbranded biologic.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Basaglar (insulin glargine) is given as an injection under the skin once per day. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on different things, such as your diet and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes as a pre-filled pen called Basaglar KwikPen, as well as a smart insulin pen called Basaglar Tempo Pen that can connect to a smartphone. Some side effects of this medication include low blood sugar levels and pain or swelling at the injection site.

  • Indications of Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in people ages 6 years and older
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Injected once daily
    •Each dose can help control blood sugar levels for about 42 hours
    •Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months
    Cons
    •Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control
    •Given once per day
    •Available as a prefilled pen that can easily fit into your purse or pocket
    •Doses can be easily adjusted
    •Can use in type 1 diabetic children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Must be given as an injection under the skin
    •Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
    •Can cause weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Doesn't come as a vial, which some people might prefer instead of prefilled pens
    •Not available as a lower-cost generic yet

  • Common Side Effects of Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 99%)
    •Common cold (up to 24%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 5%)
    •Stomach viral infection (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infection (up to 24%)
    •Common cold (up to 16%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections with pen sharing
    •Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections with pen sharing
    •Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
    •Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Tresiba vs. Basaglar

    Learn more about Insulin degludec
    Learn more about Basaglar

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1 drugs

Levemir vs TresibaOzempic vs TresibaTresiba vs BasaglarTresiba vs HumalogTresiba vs LantusTresiba vs ToujeoGlucovance vs LantusHumulin R vs LantusInvokana vs LantusLantus vs ActosLantus vs ApidraLantus vs BasaglarLantus vs HumalogLantus vs LevemirLantus vs NovologLantus vs OzempicLantus vs SemgleeLantus vs ToujeoLevemir vs ToujeoMetaglip vs LantusPrandin vs LantusPrecose vs LantusToujeo vs ActosToujeo vs ApidraToujeo vs GlucotrolToujeo vs GlyburideToujeo vs HumalogToujeo vs Human InsulinToujeo vs JanumetVictoza vs Lantus
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.