The role of insulin detemir in overweight type 2 diabetes management

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Authors: Yared N Demssie, Naveed Younis, Handrean Soran

Published Date June 2009 , Volume 2009:5

Yared N Demssie¹, Naveed Younis², Handrean Soran³

¹Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust, Salford, UK; ²Department of Medicine, University Hospital South Manchester Foundation NHS Trust, Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK; ³University Department of Medicine, Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK

Abstract: The recent evidence-based shift towards an algorithm of early initiation and aggressive titration of insulin therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes requires the use of an effective insulin formulation that is both safe and acceptable to patients and physicians alike. The advent of the long-acting insulin analogues, insulin detemir and glargine, in the last decade has revolutionized insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes. Their unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties have offered tangible advantage over the conventional intermediate and long-acting insulin preparations in terms of improving glucose control as well as reducing risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. This review focuses on the pharmacodynamic properties of the long-acting insulin analogue detemir, the outcome of studies on its relative efficacy and safety as well as its proposed place in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: insulin detemir, type 2 diabetes, overweight