Abstract

Insulin degludec in Type 1 diabetes

Author(s): VS Eligar,S Bain

Long-acting analog insulins have been increasingly used in preference to neutral protamine hagedorn insulins since their launch some 10 years ago. Although the achieved hemoglobin A1c reduction is similar, a lower incidence of nocturnal and symptomatic hypoglycemia with the analog insulin has contributed to their increased use. In this article we examine the benefits of the new ultra-long-acting analog insulin called ‘insulin degludec‘. It has favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties allowing for stable background insulin levels with once a day or even less frequent administration. Its ultra-long-acting profile may reduce variation in plasma glucose levels with a reduced frequency of nocturnal and daytime hypoglycemia.