Insulin detemir

Insulin detemir is a long-acting insulin analog that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Insulin detemir is a man-made form of human insulin that is designed to provide a steady level of insulin over a long period of time.

Mechanism of Action

Insulin detemir works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body. It helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

Usage

Insulin detemir is used together with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally).

Side Effects

Common side effects of insulin detemir include reactions at the injection site, skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), itching, rash, serious allergic reactions (whole body reactions), skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.

Precautions

Before using insulin detemir, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

Interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially other oral or injectable diabetes medications.

See Also

• Insulin
• Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

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