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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
The potential effect of ultra-long insulin degludec on glycemic variability
M Rodacki1, R M Carvalho2, L Zajdenverg1
1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Medical Clinic Department, Nutrology and Diabetes Unit, Brazil.
Abstract:
Despite the therapeutic advances in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic control instability due to glycemic variability (GV) is frequently observed in patients with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy and is associated with hyperglycemic peaks and hypoglycemic episodes. Hyperglycemia associated with GV has been implicated in the development of chronic complications due to its pro-oxidative consequences. On the other hand, hypoglycemia can be associated with increased cardiovascular risk secondarily to adrenergic activation. The ultra-long-acting insulin analogue, insulin degludec (IDeg), presents a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect both in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients. In pharmacodynamic studies, IDeg has been associated with a lower variability in its insulin action than other alternatives for basal insulin, which might have clinical advantages for the stability of the glycemic control. The main objective of this review is to present pharmacological and clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of IDeg for the treatment of diabetes focusing on its effects on GV and on hypoglycemia frequency.
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