Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
Insulin detemir: from concept to clinical experience
1School of Clinical Medical Sciences--Diabetes, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Framlington Place, NE2 4HH, UK. philip.home@newcastle.ac.uk
Insulin detemir offers improved basal insulin therapy for diabetes, showing comparable glycemic control to NPH insulin with reduced variability and hypoglycemia risk. It also demonstrated a lower propensity for weight gain in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Subcutaneously administered basal insulins previously had high within-person variability.
- Limitations in time-action profiles of older basal insulins impacted diabetes management.
- A need existed for basal insulin with improved pharmacokinetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of insulin detemir as a basal insulin.
- To compare insulin detemir with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin.
- To assess the benefits of an all-analogue insulin regimen.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological characterization of insulin detemir.
- Phase III clinical trials comparing insulin detemir to NPH insulin.
- Evaluation of an all-analogue regimen (insulin detemir + insulin aspart) versus human insulin regimens.
Main Results:
- Insulin detemir demonstrated glycaemic control comparable to NPH insulin with significantly lower variability.
- Consistent reductions in nocturnal hypoglycaemic events were observed with insulin detemir.
- Insulin detemir was associated with a significantly reduced propensity for weight gain.
- The all-analogue regimen showed superior blood glucose control and reduced hypoglycemia compared to human insulin-based regimens.
Conclusions:
- Insulin detemir provides a valuable basal insulin option with improved efficacy and tolerability.
- Its unique pharmacokinetic profile addresses limitations of previous basal insulins.
- Insulin detemir facilitates treatment regimens offering good clinical outcomes for diabetes management.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
