Tresiba(R) (Insulin Degludec) A New Basal Insulin For Adult Patients With Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes Is Available In The UK

Date: Mar-06-2013Insulin degludec is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults[1].

Novo Nordisk UK has announced that insulin degludec (brand name Tresiba(R)), a new
oncedaily basal insulin for adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is available
in the UK as a new treatment option.

Insulin degludec effectively reduces blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 and
2 diabetes[2],[3] while significantly reducing the risk of nighttime hypoglycaemia,
compared with the most commonly prescribed basal insulin in the UK[4]:
25% reduction in nighttime hypoglycaemia for patients with type 1 diabetes [4.41 vs 5.86 episodes per patient year of exposure (PYE); p=0.02][3]

36% reduction in nighttime hypoglycaemia for insulin naive patients with type 2 diabetes [0.25 vs 0.39 episodes per PYE; pThere was no significant difference in the rate of confirmed overall hypoglycaemic episodes for insulin degludec versus insulin glargine in patients with type 1 diabetes (42.54 vs 40.18 episodes per patient year of exposure p=0.48)[3] or
for insulin naive patients with type 2 diabetes (1.52 vs 1.85 per patient year of exposure; p=0.11)[2]
Insulin degludec is a oncedaily basal insulin which can be administered at any time of the day, however preferably at the same time every day. It is the first insulin to offer people with diabetes the flexibility in the timing of insulin administration on
occasions when administration at the same time of day is not possible. A minimum of eight
hours between injections should always be ensured[1],[5].

"Many of my patients tell me when I see them in clinic that they have difficulty
taking their insulin at exactly the same time each day. This is often for reasons which we
can all sympathise with and understand. For example picking children up from school or
working irregular shifts at work. It is thus very useful that there is now an insulin
which, because of its longer duration of action, is able to offer patients a bit more
flexibility in terms of timing of their dose without compromising either their glycaemic control or risk of hypoglycaemia", commented Professor Melanie J Davies, Professor of
Diabetes Medicine, University of Leicester and Honorary Consultant, University Hospitals
of Leicester.

Hypoglycaemic episodes are one of the most common side effects of insulin
treatment[6], and although insulin degludec significantly reduces nighttime
hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia is still the most frequent side effect[1]. However, of
particular concern is the risk of nighttime hypoglycaemia; often when the patient is
sleeping and therefore less aware of the onset of symptoms[7].

While reduced risk of hypoglycaemia has obvious benefits for the person with diabetes,
it is also important for society in general. The economic impact of hypoglycaemia in the
UK is particularly significant[8]. In 2010/11, the estimated UK cost for severe
hypoglycaemia was GBP30.4 million and for moderate hypoglycaemia GBP41.8 million[8]. Each
severe hypoglycaemic episode involving hospitalisation, costs the NHS an estimated
GBP2,153 per person[9],[10]. Almost 50% of severe hypoglycaemic episodes occur at night
and the most severe nighttime episodes can be fatal if left untreated[7]. Severe episodes
are estimated to be responsible for 6% of deaths in people with diabetes under the age of
40[7],[11].

Insulin degludec is available in two FlexTouch(R) pens: FlexTouch(R) U100, which is
suitable for doses from 1 to 80 units per injection and dials in one unit increments, and
FlexTouch(R) U200, which allows up to 160 units of insulin in one injection and dials in
two unit increments. The U200 is the first prefilled pen that allows patients who need
more than 80 units of basal insulin each day to inject only once.

"Novo Nordisk has a long heritage in changing the diabetes landscape with 90 years of
innovation and leadership in diabetes care. Our focus is in developing treatments that
address key challenges faced by patients and clinicians," said Peter Meeus, UK/IRE
Managing Director, Novo Nordisk.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.