Insulin detemir--a new basal insulin analog.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trial data, adverse effects, and role in therapy of insulin detemir.


METHODS
Articles and meeting abstracts were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1996-June 2004), EMBASE (1980-June 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-June 2004) databases, and unpublished information was provided by the manufacturer.


METHODS
All available studies relating to insulin detemir's pharmacology were selected. Only human studies were used for pharmacokinetic, drug interaction, efficacy, and safety data.


RESULTS
Insulin detemir is a basal insulin analog that has been shown to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Insulin detemir offers some benefits over NPH for use as basal insulin in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Goldman-Levine
Jennifer D
JD
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy-Boston, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5804, USA. jgoldman-levine@bos.mcphs.edu
Lee
Karen W
KW
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069057:Insulin Detemir; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015430:Weight Gain
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting; D000069057:Insulin Detemir