Insulin detemir
Also known as: detemir insulin, IDet, Insulin detemir, insulin detemir rDNA origin, Levemir, NN304
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Summary
Insulin detemir is a recombinant human insulin analog with a myristic acid attached to lysine B29, providing prolonged basal insulin activity for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mechanism of Action
Binds insulin receptor to stimulate glucose uptake; fatty acid side chain prolongs duration via albumin binding
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Glycemic control during pregnancy (diabetes)Obstetric/endocrineModerate
- Weight neutrality relative to NPHMetabolicModerate
- Glycemic controlDiabetesHigh
- Basal glycemic control in type 1 diabetesGlycemic ManagementHigh
- Basal glycemic control in type 2 diabetesGlycemic ManagementHigh
- Reduction of nocturnal hypoglycemiaSafety / TolerabilityModerate
Contraindications
- Severe hypoglycemiaMetabolicHigh
- Hypersensitivity to insulin detemirAllergyHigh
- Intravenous or intramuscular administrationRoute Of AdministrationHigh
- Hypersensitivity to insulin detemir or excipientsImmunologicHigh
- Hypoglycemia (active episode)MetabolicHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Peripheral edemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling of the arms or legs
- Allergic reactionsImmunologicalRare
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Allergic reactions / anaphylaxisImmunologicRare
- Weight gainMetabolicCommonIncrease in body weight
- LipodystrophyDermatologicUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone)Moderate
- Salicylates (high-dose)Low
- Beta‑blockersModerate
- Other antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, GLP‑1 agonists)High
- Beta-blockersModerate
- AlcoholModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Antidiabetic agents (oral hypoglycemics, other insulins)Moderate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<2 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patients <2 yearsAgeAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusEMA approved; same indications
- United StatesApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusFDA approved; marketed as Levemir
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitusMHRA approved
Administered subcutaneously; not approved for oral or inhalation routes. Requires dose titration to avoid hypoglycemia.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Insulin detemir?
Insulin detemir is a recombinant human insulin analog with a myristic acid attached to lysine B29, providing prolonged basal insulin activity for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What is Insulin detemir used for?
Insulin detemir is educationally associated with: Glycemic control during pregnancy (diabetes), Weight neutrality relative to NPH, Glycemic control, Basal glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, Basal glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Reduction of nocturnal hypoglycemia. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Insulin detemir administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Insulin detemir?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypoglycemia, Peripheral edema, Allergic reactions, Injection site reactions, Allergic reactions / anaphylaxis, Weight gain, Lipodystrophy. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Insulin detemir?
Recorded contraindications: Severe hypoglycemia, Hypersensitivity to insulin detemir, Intravenous or intramuscular administration, Hypersensitivity to insulin detemir or excipients, Hypoglycemia (active episode). Consult a qualified clinician before use.