Medium-Term Effects of Insulin Degludec on Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in daily blood glucose fluctuation and insulin dose in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) undergoing basal-bolus therapy following a switching of basal insulin used from insulin glargine or detemir to insulin degludec. METHODS: Seven patients with T1DM were enrolled. All patients treated with insulin glargine or detemir twice daily were switched to insulin degludec with 80–90 % of the prior insulin dose. During the study period, the basal insulin doses were adjusted by the attending physician. The patients underwent continuous glucose monitoring before, 3 days after, and 24 weeks after switching to insulin degludec. The daily insulin dose was analyzed before, 3 days after, and 24 weeks after switching. Glycated hemoglobin levels were measured before and 24 weeks after switching. RESULTS: The blood glucose profile did not change significantly before and after switching. On the other hand, the total daily insulin dose and total daily basal insulin dose decreased significantly 24 weeks after switching. DISCUSSION: In patients with T1DM undergoing insulin glargine or detemir treatment, it is possible to achieve similar glycemic control in the medium term with a once daily, lower dose of insulin degludec.