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Key takeaways
Tresiba is an ultra-long-acting insulin approved for managing blood sugar in individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Toujeo, Basaglar, Lantus, and Semglee are alternative basal insulins that can be used instead of Tresiba. Another option is to use an insulin pump.
Diet and exercise can help manage blood sugar levels, but should not replace daily insulin or diabetes medication.
Switching from Tresiba to another insulin or treatment should only be done under medical supervision.
Tresiba is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin that controls blood sugar levels in adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Injections can be administered with a FlexTouch Pen or using a standard syringe and needle. The insulin degludec delivery system in Tresiba makes it the longest-acting insulin available today, requiring only one injection daily to provide even glycemic control for up to 42 hours. If there are problems with Tresiba, people can use other long-acting insulins.
What can I take instead of Tresiba?
Tresiba may not be a good fit for everyone. Long-acting insulins can have serious side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, or allergic reactions. On the other hand, people may require a lower-cost basal insulin even with insurance coverage.
The chart below lists some alternative basal insulins that can be used to manage elevated glucose levels.
Compare Tresiba alternatives |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Coupons |
| Tresiba (insulin degludec) | $477 for 1, 10 mL of 100 units/mL vial | $118 for 1, 10 mL of 100 units/mL vial | See latest prices |
| Toujeo (insulin glargine SoloStar) | $177 for 1, 1.5 mL of 300 units/mL injection pen | $58 for 1, 1.5 mL of 300 units/mL injection pen | See latest prices |
| Basaglar (insulin glargine) | $475 per 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens | $256 per 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens of brand-name Basaglar KwikPen | See latest prices |
| Lantus (insulin glargine) | $440 for 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens | $96 for 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens of brand-name Lantus SoloStar | See latest prices |
| Semglee (insulin glargine-ygfn) | $550 per 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens | $100 per 5, 3 mL of 100 units/mL injection pens | See latest prices |
| Soliqua 100/33 (insulin glargine/lixisenatide) | $1,167 for 5, 3 mL of 100 units-33 mcg/mL injection pens | $774 for 5, 3 mL of 100 units-33 mcg/mL injection pens of brand-name Soliqua | See latest prices |
| Xultophy 100/3.6 (insulin degludec/liraglutide) | $1,575 for 5, 3ml of 100 units-3.6 mg/mL injection pens | $1,181 for 5, 3ml of 100 units-3.6 mg/mL injection pens of brand-name Xultophy | See latest prices |
| Humalog* insulin for pump (pump supply costs are separate) | $190 for 2, 10 ml vials of 100 units/ml | $132 for 2, 10 ml vials of 100 units/ml | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of October 23, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
*Fast-acting insulins (such as Humalog or Novolog) are commonly used in insulin pumps. With this system, the same insulin provides both basal insulin (continuous tiny doses) and mealtime insulin (bolus doses). See the section below for more information.
Top 5 Tresiba alternatives
1. Toujeo
Toujeo (insulin glargine U-300) is another ultra-long-acting insulin used for the management of Type 1 diabetes in both adults and children as young as 6 years old and Type 2 diabetes in adults. Toujeo begins to work a few hours after administration and works evenly for up to 36 hours. Only one injection daily is needed, but patients may also need to inject mealtime insulin at appropriate times.
2. Basaglar
Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin analog with a duration of action of 24 hours, so most patients require only one injection daily. This type of insulin can be used in adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It can also be used in children at least 6 years old with Type 1 diabetes. When using Basaglar for Type 1 diabetes, it is typically used along with a fast-acting insulin such as Humalog. Basaglar is injected under the skin like most insulins, but cannot be used in an insulin pump.
3. Lantus
The long-acting insulins, Lantus and Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine), are used for glycemic control in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Lantus also treats pediatric Type 1 diabetes for children 6 and older. Lantus is a daily subcutaneous injection with a 24-hour duration of action. Short-acting insulins must be combined with Lantus if Type 1 diabetes is being managed. As with other long-acting insulins, Lantus is never used in an insulin pump.
RELATED: Lantus side effects and how to avoid them
4. Semglee
Semglee is a long-acting insulin used to manage diabetes in adults and children. It begins working two to four hours after injection and works evenly for about 24 hours. It is never used in an insulin pump. As with other long-acting insulins, patients must also inject fast-acting insulins at mealtime. Semglee is available as a prefilled pen or 100-unit vials for use with a syringe and needle.
5. Insulin pump with Novolog or Humalog
Another alternative to consider is switching to an insulin pump rather than multiple daily injections (MDI). People on MDI typically inject a basal insulin once daily, as well as a fast-acting insulin for meals and to correct high blood sugars. An insulin pump delivers only one type of insulin, a fast-acting insulin such as Novolog or Humalog, in tiny doses throughout the day, which serves as a basal insulin. The pump communicates with your continuous glucose monitor (like Dexcom) to help make treatment decisions. For example, when your blood sugar is high, it can administer extra insulin. Or, when your blood sugar is dropping too low, it can temporarily pause insulin delivery. The pump can also administer insulin before meals. Some people prefer MDIs, while others prefer a pump. It is definitely worth a conversation with your healthcare provider so you can weigh the pros and cons.
Natural alternatives to Tresiba
When a new diagnosis of diabetes occurs, some patients may consider a more natural approach to lower blood sugar levels. Proper diet and exercise are integral parts of the treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, but they do not replace treatment recommended by your healthcare provider.
Some studies have shown that certain supplements may help manage blood sugar levels. However, the American Diabetes Association notes that supplements are not proven to be effective for lowering blood sugar or supporting diabetes management. Certain people, such as those who follow restrictive diets, older adults, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, may require a multivitamin. Always check with your healthcare provider for medical advice and remember that a multivitamin or supplement does not replace your recommended treatment.
How to switch to a Tresiba alternative
If Tresiba has not met your expectations, it may be time to switch to another basal insulin or, for people with Type 2 diabetes, to a non-insulin medication like Ozempic (semaglutide). This should be done only under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Insulin dosages are usually calculated based on your specific needs, so your provider will need to help you transition to something else.
If Tresiba is stopped abruptly without a replacement antidiabetic medication, this may cause extremely high blood sugar levels, which may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or other health complications. No matter what type of insulin you and your healthcare provider may decide on to manage your diabetes, cost savings should always be explored with SingleCare’s prescription discount coupons.
RELATED: How much is Tresiba without insurance?
Choosing the right path for diabetes treatment
Basal insulins are needed when fasting glucose levels are high, a condition typical of Type 1 diabetes, and in certain people with Type 2 diabetes. Choosing the right type of basal insulin depends on many factors, including lifestyle and insulin compliance. However, the most important factor is fasting blood glucose levels. Tresiba may be the most successful long-acting insulin at controlling fasting glucose levels in some people, but other long-acting or intermediate insulins like Lantus, Toujeo, Semglee, or an insulin pump may provide better glycemic control in other people. Always review your blood glucose levels, diabetes symptoms, and lifestyle needs with your healthcare provider to determine the best type of insulin for you.
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- Toujeo, DailyMed (2025)
- Basaglar, DailyMed (2023)
- Lantus, DailyMed (2023)
- Semglee, DailyMed (2025)
- Novolog, DailyMed (2023)
- Insulin pumps: Relief and choice, American Diabetes Association
- 10 natural home remedies for Type 2 diabetes, Stamford Health (2018)
- Vitamins, minerals, and supplements, American Diabetes Association