Insulin Detemir
About Insulin Detemir
Insulin Detemir is used for the management and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially in persons whose sugar levels are too high and cannot be controlled only by dieting and exercising.
Insulin Detemir contains Insulin Detemir, which works by replacing the natural insulin produced by the body and helps move sugar from the blood to different body tissues, where it is used as energy.
Insulin Detemir has a more rapid onset of action and a long duration of action, up to 24 hours of basal insulin coverage. Treatment with Insulin Detemir helps to prevent complications from your diabetes.
The common side effects of Insulin Detemir are low potassium levels, low blood sugar levels, and local injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not skip any doses or stop taking Insulin Detemir suddenly without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Insulin Detemir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Insulin Detemir should not be given to children below 10 years.
Uses of Insulin Detemir
Medicinal Benefits
- Insulin Detemir belongs to the category of the anti-diabetic drug indicated in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- This medicine is primarily prescribed to people whose blood sugar levels are high and are not even controlled by diet and exercise alone.
- Insulin Detemir is a fast-acting form of insulin that helps lower blood sugar levels after the intake of food.
- It helps in improving glycaemic control, which in turn decreases the risk of progression of complications of diabetes like damage to the retina (retinopathy), damage to the kidney (nephropathy), damage to nerve cells (neuropathy), delayed wound healing, diabetic foot ulcer, and others.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Administer Insulin Detemir subcutaneously as instructed by the doctor. Your doctor will train you on how to use Insulin Detemir at home.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Insulin Detemir should be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thighs, abdomen, or upper arm.
- Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or pens with others.
- Rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation. Do not inject Insulin Detemir into a vein or muscle.
Storage
Side Effects of Insulin Detemir
- Local injection site reactions (such as reddening, unusually intense pain on injection, itching, hives, swelling, or inflammation)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Hypokalaemia (low potassium levels)
- Lipodystrophy (fat deposition under the skin)
- Rash
- Pruritus (itchy skin)
Drug Warnings
- Do not take or stop this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
- Brief the doctor about your medical history and whether you have any heart, kidney, or liver diseases, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), and low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) before starting Insulin Detemir.
- Do not share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed.
- Do not inject Insulin Detemir daily at the same injection site since it may cause skin changes, such as lumps under the skin.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar.
- It is advised to avoid your alcohol intake while using Insulin Detemir to avoid low blood sugar levels.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting this medication.
- Insulin Detemir can be given safely to children, provided it is prescribed by a child specialist.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Insulin Detemir may have an interaction with drugs that may increase the risk of antiarrhythmic (disopyramide), hemorheological agents (pentoxifylline), antidiabetic medicinal products (pramlintide, glucagon), beta-blockers (metoprolol), diuretics (furosemide ), bleeding disorder drugs (octreotide), antipsychotic (propoxyphene, phenothiazines), estrogens, progestins (e.g. in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic medicinal products (olanzapine and clozapine)., thyroid hormones (levothyroxine), anti-asthmatics (albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), antidepressant medications (fluoxetine, lithium), lipid-lowering pills (reserpine, niacin, clonidine, fenofibrate, guanethidine), pain killers (aspirin) and antibiotics (isoniazid).
Drug-Food Interaction: Insulin Detemir may interact with ayurvedic, homoeopathy, Unani, herbal supplements, or OTC items. Tell your doctor if you are using these products. Try to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages with Insulin Detemir, as they may increase or decrease your blood sugar level.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Insulin Detemir should not be given to patients with kidney or liver disease, low blood sugar/glucose levels (hypoglycaemia), or low potassium levels (hypokalaemia).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Insulin Detemir to avoid unpleasant side effects. Alcohol may either decrease or increase the blood sugar level, which can be fatal.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedInsulin Detemir can be used during pregnancy. Your insulin dose may need to be changed during pregnancy and after delivery.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedInsulin Detemir can be given safely to nursing mothers, but only under the supervision of a physician.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution; Insulin Detemir can cause drowsiness and affect driving ability. Your ability to concentrate and react may be reduced if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Liver
cautionInsulin Detemir to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may have to adjust the dose.
Kidney
cautionInsulin Detemir to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may have to adjust the dose.
Children
safe if prescribedInsulin Detemir can be given safely to children, provided a child specialist prescribes it.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercise may lower your body’s need for insulin during and for some time after the physical activity.
- Exercise may also speed up the effect of an insulin dose, especially if the exercise involves the area of the injection site (for example, the leg should not be used for injection just before running).
- Discuss with your doctor how you should adjust your insulin regimen to accommodate exercise.
- Avoid eating sugary foods and prefer cooked food low in calories.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may tell you to monitor your potassium levels, as prolonged administration causes hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
- Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of blood sugars.
- When travelling across more than 2 time zones, you should talk to your doctor about adjustments to your insulin schedule.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 1 diabetes: This is a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-making cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. The pancreas produces little or no insulin. The condition is usually diagnosed in children and young people, so it used to be called juvenile diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes: It is a chronic or life-long condition in which cells of the body fail to respond to insulin, and in later stages, the body even fails to produce enough amount of insulin. It comprises around 90% of total diabetes cases. This condition makes the body rely on different energy sources in muscles, tissues, and organs. This disease develops gradually, and the early symptoms include constant hunger, lack of energy, fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, itchy skin, and blurry vision. People who are middle-aged or older are most likely to have type 2 diabetes, so it is also called adult-onset diabetes.
FAQs
Insulin Detemir is used for the management and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially in people whose sugar levels are too high and cannot be controlled by dieting and exercising alone.
Insulin Detemir contains Insulin Detemir, which acts as an insulin analogue and lowers blood glucose levels. Thus, Insulin Detemir helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
It is advised to tell your doctor if you are taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone as taking Insulin Detemir with these medicines can significantly lower sugar levels, thereby increasing the risk of serious heart problems.
Insulin Detemir can be given to treat both the conditions of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, your doctor will decide whether Insulin Detemir can be given to you or not, depending on your present condition. Insulin Detemir should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Insulin Detemir or other forms of insulin, patients with kidney disease, liver disease, low blood sugar/glucose level (hypoglycemia), and low potassium level (hypokalaemia).
Insulin is a cold-chain medicine, and it has to be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius only. So, keeping Insulin out of the refrigerator will decrease its efficacy, and thus, it will not be able to lower your blood sugar significantly. So, it is advisable to keep Insulin Detemir between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius or in the refrigerator and not in the freezer.
Insulin is released from the beta cells of your pancreas in response to the rise in blood sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream. After you have consumed a meal, any carbohydrate you have eaten is broken down into the simpler form of glucose called monosaccharides or disaccharides and then transferred into the bloodstream for further metabolism and utilization. Thus, the pancreas detects this rise in blood glucose and starts to secrete insulin.
Habitual moderate coffee drinking has actually been associated with increased insulin sensitivity. However, in acute and high doses, caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity and raise plasma insulin levels.
Your doctor will tell you when and what dose of insulin you should take, depending on your present conditions.
When you have diabetes, it's vital to be mindful of your food choices to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods and limit intake of sugary drinks, refined grains, high-fat foods, and processed snacks. Also, be cautious with alcohol consumption, as it can impact your blood sugar levels and interact with your medications. By making healthy dietary choices and being proactive about your nutrition, you can effectively manage your diabetes and take charge of your health.
If you experience discomfort after receiving an injection, it's essential to consult your doctor before stopping treatment. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and provide personalized advice, including adjusting your dosage or recommending a different medication. This ensures your well-being and effective treatment,
Changing your injection sites is crucial to prevent skin problems and ensure effective diabetes management. Repeatedly using the same spot or location can lead to lipodystrophy, a condition where fat accumulates under the skin, making injections more painful and less effective. This can result in reduced Insulin Detemir absorption, making it harder to control blood sugar levels and ultimately leading to more challenging diabetes management. By rotating your injection sites, you can avoid these complications and maintain optimal Insulin Detemir absorption.
To manage diabetes effectively, focus on making fundamental lifestyle changes. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, low-calorie meals, and rotate your injection sites. In addition, monitor your health regularly, limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking. By implementing these simple yet vital changes, you can take control of your diabetes and significantly improve your overall well-being.
If you experience frequent low blood sugar levels, several factors may be at play. According to the American Diabetes Association, causes of hypoglycemia include taking too much insulin or diabetes medication, skipping meals or delayed eating, and increased physical activity without adjusting food intake or medication. Additionally, alcohol consumption, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or kidney disease, and medication interactions can also lower blood sugar levels. A poor diet high in fiber or fat can slow digestion and absorption of glucose. At the same time, hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can also affect blood sugar levels. If you experience frequent or severe hypoglycemia, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan and address any underlying causes.
Insulin Detemir requires careful storage to maintain its effectiveness. Store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 30°C or 86°F. Use it within 28 days of opening. It's important to note that Insulin Detemir should not be frozen, and injecting cold ones can be painful. Therefore, allow the it to reach room temperature before injecting. Always check the specific storage instructions provided with your Insulin Detemir product, as storage requirements may vary.
Insulin Detemir is a type of man-made insulin identical to natural human insulin. It works by replacing the body's natural insulin, facilitating the movement of sugar from the blood to tissues for energy. As a long-acting insulin, Insulin Detemir starts working quickly and lasts up to 24 hours, providing a steady background insulin treatment. This treatment helps control diabetes and prevents related complications, making it a crucial medication for individuals with diabetes.
Insulin Detemir is administered via subcutaneous injection, which is injected under the skin. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. To minimize skin irritation and damage, it's essential to rotate the injection site each time, using a different location on the body. In terms of timing, Insulin Detemir can be taken 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after food, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and needs.
Insulin Detemir is typically administered once daily, either with an evening meal or at bedtime. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend injecting it twice daily, once in the morning before breakfast and again in the evening with dinner, spaced approximately 12 hours apart. It's essential to follow your doctor's personalized guidance on the best injection plan and dosage, as they will consider your specific health needs and conditions to ensure effective diabetes management.
If you accidentally inject more than the recommended dose of Insulin Detemir, don't worry - just reach out to your doctor right away. They'll help you figure out the following steps to take. Taking more than recommended can cause low blood sugar, leading to symptoms like tiredness, confusion, or blurry vision. But with quick guidance from your doctor, you can get back on track and manage your levels safely. Remember, it's always better to double-check your dosage to ensure you're taking the right amount.
To store Insulin Detemir properly, keep unopened vials and pens in their original packaging and refrigerate them. Avoid freezing, as this can damage the insulin. If frozen, discard the Insulin Detemir to ensure safety and effectiveness. You can use the unopened, refrigerated Insulin Detemir until the expiration date listed on the label, provided you have stored it correctly.
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage in response to changes in your blood sugar levels, weight, physical activity, or diet. Other factors that could impact your dosage include pregnancy, breastfeeding, time zone changes, medication adjustments, kidney or liver function changes, infection, illness, surgery, or hospitalization. By working closely with your doctor, you can ensure that your dosage is tailored to your needs and that your diabetes management plan remains adequate.
Insulin Detemir is a type of basal insulin that provides a steady, long-lasting supply of insulin to help control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating blood sugar levels between meals and during sleep, reducing glucose production in the liver, and increasing glucose uptake in the muscles and fat cells. Starting to work within 2-4 hours after injection, its effects can last up to 24 hours, making it a suitable option for once or twice-daily dosing. By using Insulin Detemir, individuals can achieve stable blood sugar levels, prevent large spikes in blood sugar after meals, and support overall glucose control.
Using Insulin Detemir during pregnancy requires close medical supervision. Your doctor will help you monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your dose to ensure proper glucose control. This careful management supports a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can trust that Insulin Detemir will help manage your blood sugar levels and promote a positive pregnancy outcome. Always seek personalized guidance from your healthcare provider when using Insulin Detemir during pregnancy.
The HbA1c test is a crucial tool for diagnosing and managing diabetes. It measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. For people with diabetes, regular HbA1c tests track how well their treatment plan works and identify needed adjustments. The test also indicates the risk of developing complications like nerve damage, vision problems and kidney disease. The HbA1c test offers a valuable glimpse into blood sugar management, empowering healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes to make knowledgeable choices about treatment plans and lifestyle adjustments.
The most common side effects of the Insulin Detemir are local injection site reactions (such as redness, intense pain on injection, itching, hives, swelling, or inflammation), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), lipodystrophy (fat deposition under the skin), rash, and pruritus (itchy skin).
