Change from NPH Human Insulin to Insulin Detemir Improves Glycemic Control and Reduces Frequency of Hypoglycemia in Diabetics

To evaluate the effects of switching from NPH insulin to insulin Detemir on blood glucose control (HbA1C),fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (before breakfast),intra-subject variability of FPG,and frequency of hypoglycemia in subjects with diabetes mellitus receiving medication under a basal-bolus regimen,we monitored these parameters in 26 diabetics for 6 months.We also investigated patients’level of satisfaction with the change using questionnaire.Although there was no significant improvement in glycemic control or FPG after switching,intra-subject variability of FPG (P<0.001)and frequency of hypoglycemia (P=0.012)were significantly lower in patients on insulin Detemir than they had been with NPH insulin.Around half of the patients were satisfied with treatment using insulin Detemir and the most common reason for this was that there was no need to make a suspension with insulin Detemir.In conclusion,we consider insulin Detemir to be an effective basal insulin for basal-bolus treatment.