Nueva insulina basal de acción ultralenta: insulina degludec

Insulin degludec is a new generation of ultra-long acting insulin with a unique mechanism of absorption. The aim of this work is to review the pharmacological characteristics of insulin degludec, as well as the efficacy and safety results obtained during its clinical development, currently in phase iii. The main differential characteristics of insulin degludec compared with long acting insulin analogues currently available are based on its pharmacological properties. Insulin degludec has an ultra-long (> 24 h), stable and peak-less action profile. These properties provide insulin degludec with a safety profile with a reduced risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia, without compromising blood glucose control which is similar to insulin glargine. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin degludec could be administered at flexible dosing intervals of 8 h to 40 h.