Insulin degludec and insulin degludec/insulin aspart: A guide to their use in diabetes mellitus

Insulin degludec (Tresiba®) is an ultra-long-acting insulin analogue that is also available as a coformulation (Ryzodeg®) with rapid-acting insulin aspart. Insulin degludec achieves similar glycaemic control to that seen with insulin glargine in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes, but with a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia. In addition, a flexible dosing regimen of insulin degludec in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes shows the potential for adjusting the injection time, without compromising glycaemic control or safety. A 200 U/mL formulation of insulin degludec is also available for use in patients who require large volumes of basal insulin. In terms of glycaemic control, insulin degludec/insulin aspart is noninferior to insulin detemir plus insulin aspart in patients with type 1 diabetes. Insulin degludec/insulin aspart may also be an appropriate option for initiating insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs. © 2013 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.