Abstract
Insulin degludec is the first representative of ultra-long acting insulin analogues with the elimination half-life exceeding 24 hours, highly stable concentrations, low variability and high predictability of action owing to its inique structure. Its absorption is practically independent of the perfusion of application site.
Clinical trials have shown comparable effectiveness of insulin degludec relative to insulin glargin as far as lowering of glycated hemoglibin with simultaneous decrease of nocturnal hypoglycaemia and slightly more pronounced effect on fasting blood glucose. Administration of insulin degludec under flexible regimen (alternation of administration in the morning and in the evening) showed comparable effectiveness without increased risk of hypoglycaemia.
The above mentioned advantages make insulin degludec a very promising novel therapeutic option with wide potential of use in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.