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 is the central challenge of living with diabetes, and long-acting insulins like insulin detemir are built for that steady, background role. This monograph covers what it is, what it is approved for, and what the safety data show.
Key takeaways
- Insulin detemir is a long-acting human insulin analog sold as Levemir.
- It is approved to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
- It is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Over 240 registered trials have studied this compound, including comparisons with other basal insulins.
- Reported reactions in safety databases are dominated by glucose swings and gastrointestinal symptoms.
What Insulin Detemir Is
Insulin detemir belongs to the insulin analog drug class. Like natural insulin, it lowers blood glucose by helping muscle and fat tissue take up glucose from the blood while telling the liver to slow its own glucose production. It also curbs the breakdown of fat and protein and supports protein synthesis. Its large, complex structure (molecular formula C267H402N64O76S6) reflects its design as a modified, long-acting version of the insulin molecule.
What Insulin Detemir Is Approved For
Levemir is approved to improve glycemic control in both adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. The label specifically notes it is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. No boxed warning appears on the label.
What The Evidence Shows
More than 240 trials have been registered studying insulin detemir. A completed Phase 3 trial compared insulin degludec to insulin detemir, both given alongside insulin aspart, in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. A separate, non-phase study looked at insulin detemir specifically in the context of obesity management, and that trial remains active but not recruiting.
Reported Side Effects
Reports submitted to safety databases most often describe changes in blood glucose itself, with increased blood glucose (6,237 reports) far outnumbering decreased blood glucose (1,579). Gastrointestinal symptoms are also common, led by nausea (2,019), diarrhoea (1,422), and vomiting (1,361). Fatigue (1,564) and dyspnoea (1,301) appear as well, along with reports of the drug being ineffective (1,372). These figures reflect submitted report counts, not confirmed rates of incidence or proof that the drug caused the reaction.
FAQ
What is insulin detemir used for?
Insulin detemir is used to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It is a long-acting insulin analog marketed as Levemir. It is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does insulin detemir work?
It works like other insulins by helping muscle and fat cells absorb glucose from the blood while reducing glucose production in the liver. It also slows the breakdown of fat and protein and supports protein synthesis. This helps regulate overall blood glucose levels.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of insulin detemir?
Safety databases most frequently record changes in blood glucose, both increases and decreases, along with nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These are counts of submitted reports rather than confirmed rates or proof of a causal link. Anyone using this medication should discuss any symptoms with their prescriber.
Is insulin detemir approved for diabetic ketoacidosis?
No. The label for Levemir specifically states it is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. It is approved instead for general glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.
Has insulin detemir been studied in pregnancy?
Yes. A completed Phase 3 trial compared insulin degludec to insulin detemir, both used together with insulin aspart, in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. This is one of over 240 registered trials examining insulin detemir.
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 (DailyMed) for Levemir ClinicalTrials.gov registry FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) PubChem CID 16137271
Updated 2026-08-04