Diabetes Treatment Review

Insulin degludec, a new ultra-long-acting basal insulin analog, and frequency of hypoglycemia

Emily Chu and Nicole Meinel of the Diabetic Hypoglycemia Editorial Team

Diabetic Hypoglycemia October 2011, Volume 4, Issue 2: page 17-21

Abstract

Long-acting insulin analogs mimic the natural continuous basal secretion of insulin from the pancreas. A new-generation basal insulin, insulin degludec (IDeg), has an ultra-long duration of action with flat and stable time-action profiles. IDeg has low within-individual variability with clinical trial evidence demonstrating a lower risk of overall hypoglycemia and of nocturnal hypoglycemia. IDeg allows less frequent dosing and flexibility in the time of administration without compromising glycemic control or increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or adverse events. Evidence suggests that IDeg can improve patients’ quality of life.

Key words: hypoglycemia, degludec, long-acting insulin analog, basal insulin, fear of hypoglycemia, quality of life