Insulin degludec
Also known as: IDeg, Insulin degludec, NN1250, Ryzodeg (combination), Tresiba, Ultra‑long insulin, Xultophy (combination)
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Summary
Ultra‑long‑acting basal insulin analog administered once daily for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control with a low risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
Mechanism of Action
Activates the insulin receptor, enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose production; forms multi‑hexamers for ultra‑long duration.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Cardiovascular safety in diabetesCardiovascularHigh
- HbA1c reductionGlycemic ManagementHigh
- Reduction of nocturnal hypoglycemiaSafety / TolerabilityHigh
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetesMetabolicHigh
- Glycemic control in type 1 diabetesMetabolic / EndocrineHigh
- Flexible dosing schedulePatient AdherenceModerate
- Reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemiaSafetyHigh
Contraindications
- Hypoglycemia (during active episode)MetabolicHigh
- HypoglycaemiaMetabolicHigh
- Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or excipientsImmunologicHigh
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)MetabolicHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypokalemiaElectrolyteUncommon
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Peripheral edemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling of the arms or legs
- Allergic reactionsImmunologicalRare
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Allergic/anaphylactic reactionsImmunologicalRare
- Injection‑site reactionsLocalUncommon
- HypoglycaemiaMetabolicCommon
- Weight gainMetabolicCommonIncrease in body weight
- LipodystrophyDermatologicRare
Drug Interactions
- Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone)Moderate
- Beta‑blockersModerate
- Beta-blockersModerate
- Antidiabetic agents (oral/injectable)Moderate
- AlcoholModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Fluoroquinolone antibioticsModerate
- Other insulins or insulin secretagoguesModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Children <1 yearPediatricAbsolute
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patients < 1 yearAgeAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusEMA approval 2015.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusFDA approved 2015; marketed as Tresiba.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusMHRA approval aligned with EU.
FDA approved (2015); EMA approved (2015); UK MHRA approved. Marketed as Tresiba. No generic version available as of 2024.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Insulin degludec?
Ultra‑long‑acting basal insulin analog administered once daily for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control with a low risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
What is Insulin degludec used for?
Insulin degludec is educationally associated with: Cardiovascular safety in diabetes, HbA1c reduction, Reduction of nocturnal hypoglycemia, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, Flexible dosing schedule, Reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Insulin degludec administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Insulin degludec?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypokalemia, Hypoglycemia, Peripheral edema, Allergic reactions, Injection site reactions, Allergic/anaphylactic reactions, Injection‑site reactions, Hypoglycaemia, Weight gain, Lipodystrophy. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Insulin degludec?
Recorded contraindications: Hypoglycemia (during active episode), Hypoglycaemia, Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or excipients, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Consult a qualified clinician before use.