Insulin Degludec (CAS: 844439-96-9) Suppliers and Product Information

Insulin degludec is an ultralong-acting basal insulin ***ogue developed by Novo Nordisk under the brand name Tresiba. It is administered via subcutaneous injection to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Insulin degludec has a duration of action lasting up to 42 hours, making it a once-daily basal insulin.

Insulin degludec is a modified insulin with one single amino acid deleted compared to human insulin. It is conjugated to hexadecanedioic acid via gamma-L-glutamyl spacer at the amino acid lysine at position B29.

This medication is included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines as an equivalent to insulin glargine. In 2021, it was the 146th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insulin Degludec

What is insulin degludec used for?

Insulin degludec is used to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes. It is an ultralong-acting basal insulin ***ogue that provides a base insulin level for up to 42 hours.

How does insulin degludec compare to other long-acting insulins?

Insulin degludec has a longer duration of action (up to 42 hours) compared to other marketed long-acting insulins such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir (18 to 26 hours). This allows for once-daily dosing.

Are there any advantages to using insulin degludec?

Studies have shown that insulin degludec may lead to lower rates of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to insulin glargine in type 1 diabetes patients. This reduction in the incidence of hypoglycemia is seen as a therapeutic benefit, as hypoglycemia is often a dose-limiting toxicity in insulin therapy.

Is insulin degludec effective for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Yes, insulin degludec is used for the treatment of hyperglycemia caused by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.