Source: FDA label
| Molecular formula | C267H402N64O76S6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 5917 g/mol |
| Registered trials | 240 |
| PubChem CID | 16137271 |
| Drug class | Insulin Analog [EPC] |
| Brand names | Levemir |
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action The primary activity of insulin, including LEVEMIR, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulins and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin also inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
Managing blood glucose day to day often requires an insulin that works steadily over many hours rather than in a short burst. Insulin detemir was developed as a long-acting option to help fill that role for people living with diabetes.
Key takeaways
- Insulin detemir is a long-acting human insulin analog sold under the brand name Levemir.
- It is approved to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus.
- It is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
- More than 240 clinical trials have studied insulin detemir or included it as a comparator.
- The label does not carry a boxed warning.
What Insulin Detemir Is
Insulin detemir belongs to the insulin analog drug class. Like natural insulin, it regulates how the body handles glucose. It works by stimulating peripheral tissues, especially skeletal muscle and fat, to take up glucose from the blood, while also reducing glucose production by the liver. The molecule also curbs the breakdown of fat and protein and supports protein synthesis, mirroring the broad metabolic role of endogenous insulin. Its structure is a large, complex protein, reflected in a molecular formula of C267H402N64O76S6 (PubChem CID 16137271).
What Insulin Detemir Is Approved For
Levemir is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. The label specifically notes that it is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis, so it is intended for ongoing management rather than acute crises. The prescribing information does not carry a boxed warning.
What the Evidence Shows
Insulin detemir has been the subject of more than 240 registered clinical trials, spanning studies of the drug alone and trials comparing it with other insulins. A completed Phase 4 study examined its role specifically in type 1 diabetes. A completed Phase 3 trial compared insulin detemir with NPH insulin and insulin glargine, looking at effects on the growth hormone and IGF axis, illustrating the kind of head-to-head insulin research this compound has anchored.
FAQ
What is insulin detemir used for?
Insulin detemir, sold as Levemir, is approved to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It is a long-acting insulin analog meant for ongoing blood glucose management rather than acute treatment. It is specifically not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does insulin detemir work?
Insulin detemir works the way natural insulin does, by helping muscle and fat tissue take up glucose from the blood and by reducing glucose production in the liver. It also limits the breakdown of fat and protein and helps support protein synthesis. This combination lowers overall blood glucose levels.
Is insulin detemir approved for children?
Yes. The FDA label states that Levemir is indicated to improve glycemic control in both adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. The indication does not restrict use to a specific pediatric age group beyond what is stated on the label.
Does insulin detemir have a boxed warning?
No, the current prescribing information for Levemir does not include a boxed warning. This does not mean the medication is free of risks, only that this specific FDA warning category is not applied to its label.
How much clinical research exists on insulin detemir?
More than 240 clinical trials have registered insulin detemir as a study drug or comparator. These include completed Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies examining its use in type 1 diabetes and its effects relative to other insulins like NPH insulin and insulin glargine.
This page is an editorial information resource. It does not sell, prescribe, or recommend any medication.
Content is editorial information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before any treatment decision.
Sources: FDA label (Levemir) ClinicalTrials.gov PubChem
Updated 2026-09-19