Insulin Detemir
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1106 · Metabolic · Sources fetched 2026-09-11 · Editorial standards
Insulin Detemir (also known as Detemir, Levemir, Levemir Flexpen, Levemir Innolet) is a metabolic research peptide. Insulin Detemir, also known as Levemir, is a long-acting human insulin analog and an insulin receptor agonist used to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Insulin Detemir is an FDA-approved long-acting human insulin analog that functions as an insulin receptor agonist. It is indicated for improving glycemic control in both adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, it is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. The compound has also been studied in clinical trials for conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, coronary disease, and cystic fibrosis. Research on Insulin Detemir often focuses on its pharmacology and its comparison with other insulin preparations in the management of diabetes.
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
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions
- Lipodystrophy
- Rash
- Pruritus
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 169148-63-4 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 5917 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Half-life | ~5–7 hours |
| Brand names | Levemir |
| Route | SUBCUTANEOUS |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Insulin receptor |
4 Research dosages
Administer subcutaneously once daily or in divided doses twice daily.
5 Research studies (8)
- Insulin degludec versus insulin detemir, both in combination with insulin aspart, in the treatment of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (EXPECT): an open‑label, multinational, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology (2023) · RCT - ISFM consensus guidelines on the practical management of diabetes mellitus in cats
Journal of feline medicine and surgery (2015) - [Insulin detemir (Levemir)]
Revue medicale de Liege (2005) - Insulin detemir. Novo Nordisk
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) (2003) · Review - Pharmacology of insulin detemir
Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America (2007) · Review - Insulin detemir--a new basal insulin analog
The Annals of pharmacotherapy (2005) · Review - [Insulin detemir(NN-304)]
Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (2001) · Review - Insulin detemir: a review
Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998) (2006) · Review
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Insulin Detemir 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:
- During episodes of hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity to insulin detemir 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, sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors | Increase the risk of hypoglycemia | High |
| Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens, protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones | Decrease the blood glucose lowering effect of Insulin Detemir | High |
| Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts | Increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect of Insulin Detemir | Moderate |
| Pentamidine | May cause hypoglycemia, sometimes followed by hyperglycemia | Moderate |
| Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine | Blunt signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- transmission of blood-borne pathogens
- hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen
- life-threatening hypoglycemia
- hypersensitivity reactions
- life-threatening hypokalemia
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is Insulin Detemir used for?
- Insulin Detemir, marketed as Levemir, is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This includes both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
- How does Insulin Detemir work?
- Insulin Detemir functions as an insulin receptor agonist. It is a long-acting human insulin analog that binds to insulin receptors, mimicking the action of natural insulin to facilitate glucose uptake by cells and lower blood glucose levels over an extended period.
- Is Insulin Detemir FDA approved?
- Yes, Insulin Detemir is FDA approved. It received its first approval in 2004 and is marketed under the brand name Levemir for the management of diabetes mellitus.
- What are the side effects of Insulin Detemir?
- Common adverse reactions associated with Insulin Detemir include hypoglycemia, various allergic reactions, reactions at the injection site, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus. Patients should be aware of these potential effects and consult a healthcare professional if they occur.
- What are the contraindications for Insulin Detemir?
- Insulin Detemir is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. It is also contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to insulin detemir or any of the excipients present in the Levemir formulation, due to the risk of severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.
8 References
- Insulin Detemir — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Insulin Detemir — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Insulin Detemir — FDA approved prescribing information U.S. Food and Drug Administration. View source
- Insulin Detemir — published literature (736 records) PubMed. View source
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Entries that share a target, a mechanism, or a research area with Insulin Detemir.
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