The use of insulin detemir during pregnancy: a safety evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Diabetes during pregnancy causes both fetal and maternal complications. Insulin is the most effective pharmacological treatment for controlling hyperglycemia during gestation and can limit adverse outcomes. Insulin detemir (IDet), a novel basal insulin, has already been used for this indication for several years. It was reclassified in 2012 by the FDA from category C to category B for the treatment of pregnant women with diabetes.


METHODS
This article reviews published data regarding the use of IDet during pregnancy. We discuss pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic qualities of IDet and potential advantages for its use during pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
IDet is a viable option for the management of diabetes during pregnancy. Though data is limited, its safety and efficacy is probably comparable to human insulin, and in some aspects superior to it. More data, specifically for IDet in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes (GDM) or type 2 diabetes, is needed.
Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center , 49100 Petah Tikva , Israel.
Ronit
R
Koren
Yoel
Y
Toledano
Moshe
M
Hod
D000818:Animals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069057:Insulin Detemir / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D000069057:Insulin Detemir
detemir; diabetes mellitus; gestational; pregnancy; safety