Insulin Degludec
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1140 · Metabolic · Sources fetched 2026-09-11 · Editorial standards
Insulin Degludec (also known as Degludec, Tresiba, Ins tresiba, insuline degludec) is a metabolic research peptide. Insulin Degludec is a long-acting human insulin analog and an insulin receptor agonist, FDA-approved for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Insulin Degludec, also known as Tresiba, is a long-acting human insulin analog that functions as an insulin receptor agonist. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, often marketed in combination with liraglutide as Xultophy 100/3.6. Approved by the FDA in 2013, Insulin Degludec is administered subcutaneously. Research has explored its use in various diabetes mellitus types, including type 1 and type 2, and its comparison with other insulin formulations. Studies have also investigated its role in managing diabetic ketoacidosis and its general application in diabetes treatment.
1 Mechanism of action
Insulin receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Insulin receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
2.2 Side effects
- Nasopharyngitis
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased lipase
- Upper respiratory tract infection
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 844439-96-9 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 6104 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Half-life | ~25 hours |
| Brand names | Xultophy 100/3.6 |
| Route | SUBCUTANEOUS |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Insulin receptor |
4 Research dosages
10 to 50 units SC once-daily
5 Research studies (8)
- Insulin degludec 100 U/mL for treatment of spontaneous diabetes mellitus in dogs
Journal of veterinary internal medicine (2025) - Once-weekly insulin icodec versus once-daily insulin degludec as part of a basal-bolus regimen in individuals with type 1 diabetes (ONWARDS 6): a phase 3a, randomised, open-label, treat-to-target trial
Lancet (London, England) (2023) · RCT - Early insulin degludec with continuous intravenous insulin infusion in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis: A randomized controlled trial
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism (2025) · RCT - Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide
Hospital pharmacy (2017) · Review - More Similarities Than Differences Testing Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL Versus Insulin Degludec 100 Units/mL in Insulin-Naive Type 2 Diabetes: The Randomized Head-to-Head BRIGHT Trial
Diabetes care (2018) · RCT - Hypoglycaemic shock after partial skin graft harvesting
Ugeskrift for laeger (2023) · Case Series - Sacubitril/Valsartan
Hospital pharmacy (2015) - Clinical use of insulin degludec
Diabetes research and clinical practice (2015) · Review
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Insulin Degludec is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Episodes of hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec, liraglutide, or any excipients
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics | Increased risk of hypoglycemia | High |
| Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones | Decreased blood glucose lowering effect | High |
| Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts | Increased or decreased blood glucose lowering effect | Moderate |
| Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine | Blunted signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia | Moderate |
| Oral medications | Impacted absorption due to delayed gastric emptying | Low |
6.4 Long-term risks
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion
- Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
6.5 Research best practices
- Store in original sealed carton
- Prior to first use, store between 36F to 46F (2C and 8C)
- Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element
- After first use, store for 21 days at controlled room temperature 59F to 86F (15C to 30C) or in a refrigerator 36F to 46F (2C to 8C)
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is Insulin Degludec used for?
- Insulin Degludec is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a long-acting human insulin analog that helps manage blood sugar levels.
- How does Insulin Degludec work?
- Insulin Degludec works as an insulin receptor agonist. It binds to insulin receptors, mimicking the action of natural insulin to facilitate glucose uptake by cells and reduce glucose production by the liver, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
- Is Insulin Degludec FDA approved?
- Yes, Insulin Degludec was approved by the FDA in 2013. It is marketed, often in combination with liraglutide, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- What are the side effects of Insulin Degludec?
- Common side effects of Insulin Degludec include nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, diarrhea, increased lipase, and upper respiratory tract infection. More serious adverse reactions, such as hypoglycemia and acute pancreatitis, are also possible.
- What are the contraindications for Insulin Degludec?
- Insulin Degludec is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It should also not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia or in patients with hypersensitivity to its components.
8 References
- Insulin Degludec — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Insulin Degludec — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Insulin Degludec — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Insulin Degludec — published literature (889 records) PubMed. View source
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