Once or twice a day subcutaneous insulin for type 1 or type 2 diabetics who require long acting insulin to control hyperglycemia.
Insulin detemir
Insulin detemir, sold under the brand name Levemir
A long-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2.
An insulin analogue in which the fatty acid myristic acid is bound to the lysine amino acid at position B29.
It is quickly absorbed after which it binds to albumin in the blood through its fatty acid at position B29.
It is used by subcutaneous injection.
It is effective for up to 24 hours.
Pregnancy category US: B (No risk in non-human studies)
Bioavailability is 60% when administered s.c.
Elimination half-life 5–7 hours.
Common side effects include: hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, pain at the site of injection, and weight gain.
Works by increasing the amount of glucose that tissues take in and decreasing the amount of glucose made by the liver.
It appears to work at least as well as NPH insulin and insulin glargine in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Injection site reactions average 3-5% and include lipodystrophy, redness, pain, and hives.
Not to be used in insulin pumps.