insulin detemir

Insulin detemir is a long-acting recombinant human insulin analog used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2)[1][4][5]. It is administered by subcutaneous injection and provides a relatively constant glucose-lowering effect for up to 24 hours[3][4]. Insulin detemir differs from human insulin by the omission of threonine at position B30 and the addition of a C14 fatty acid (myristic acid) to lysine at position B29. This modification increases self-association at the injection site and binding to albumin in circulation, resulting in slow absorption and prolonged action[6][8][9]. Its mechanism of action involves acting as an agonist at the insulin receptor, promoting glucose uptake into tissues (muscle, fat), inhibiting hepatic glucose production, enhancing protein synthesis, and inhibiting lipolysis[6][8]. Insulin detemir was developed using recombinant DNA technology in yeast cells. It is not indicated for diabetic ketoacidosis.

Brand names

LevemirLevemir FlexTouchLevemir PenFillLevemir FlexPenLevemir InnoLet

Other names

insulin detemir