What Is Insulin Detemir Used For? (Cont.)

Why Is Insulin Detemir Used for Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is common, much more common than type 1 diabetes. The cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role.
 
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, at least initially. The problem with type 2 diabetes is that the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. As a result, the cells do not remove sugar (glucose) from the blood very well, resulting in high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
 
Over time, high blood sugar levels (whether from type 1 or type 2 diabetes) can lead to a number of problems, including diabetic impotence, diabetic neuropathy, kidney failure, and heart disease (see Diabetes Complications). Eventually, the pancreas may also become damaged from having to produce so much insulin over a long time. People with damage to the pancreas need to take insulin, as the pancreas can no longer produce enough of it.
 
Many people with type 2 diabetes may only need to use a long-acting insulin, such as insulin detemir, in addition to any oral diabetes medications they may take. However, some people with advanced type 2 diabetes may also need a short- or rapid-acting insulin to help control the sudden rise in blood sugar levels that occurs after meals.
 
A balanced treatment plan for type 2 diabetes should include a diet and exercise plan (see Diabetic Diet and Diabetes and Exercise). Discuss with your healthcare provider any dietary or exercise changes you should make.
 
(What Is Insulin Detemir Used For? Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;