Insulin Degludec
Insulin Degludec is a long-acting basal insulin analog that provides a prolonged duration of action for at least 42 hours, improving glycemic control in adults with diabetes.
Insulin Degludec is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin that helps manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by providing steady glucose control over 24 hours or more.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AE06
- RxNorm
- 1670007
- Generic
- Insulin Degludec
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Tresiba, Xultophy
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10 units once daily (0.1-0.2 units/kg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.3 units/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1 units/kg once daily (typically 10 units)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesterindividualize based on glycemic control
insulin is preferred therapy for diabetes in pregnancy; degludec may be used when benefits outweigh risks
frequent blood glucose monitoring and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterindividualize based on glycemic control
continue insulin therapy for optimal glycemic control
frequent blood glucose monitoring and fetal growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterindividualize; may need dose adjustment
insulin requirements may increase in third trimester
frequent blood glucose monitoring and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; insulin does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts
monitor maternal blood glucose
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart with lower dose and titrate slowly
increased risk of hypoglycemia; consider starting at 50% of typical starting dose
frequent blood glucose monitoring especially during titration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 5 yearsweight-based dosing starting at 0.1-0.2 units/kg once daily
approved for type 1 diabetes in children 1 year and older; individualize dosing
frequent blood glucose monitoring including overnight
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12 yearsweight-based dosing typically 0.1-0.3 units/kg once daily
approved for type 1 diabetes; individualize based on patient needs
regular blood glucose monitoring
pediatric_age
adolescents 13 17 yearsweight-based dosing typically 0.1-0.3 units/kg once daily
approved for type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adolescents
regular blood glucose monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment required but may need dose reduction
no specific starting dose adjustment; monitor for hypoglycemia as risk may be increased
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution; reduced insulin clearance may require dose reduction
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific dose adjustment required
no starting dose adjustment needed; hepatic impairment may affect glucose metabolism
blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severemay require dose reduction
use with caution; severe hepatic impairment may reduce insulin requirements
frequent blood glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Basal insulin analog for glucose control
FDA approval year
Tresiba FDA approval
Common uses
Indicated for glycemic control in diabetes
Dosing frequency
Ultra-long acting basal insulin
Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults requiring basal insulin for glycemic control. May be used as monotherapy or in combination with other glucose-lowering agents including oral antidiabetics and rapid-acting insulins.
Insulin Degludec binds to insulin receptors on target cells, stimulating peripheral glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose production. It forms a depot of soluble multi-hexamers at the injection site, providing a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect over an extended period.
Administered subcutaneously once daily at any time of day. Requires regular blood glucose monitoring and dose adjustment based on individual needs. Can cause hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection site reactions. Should not be used in patients with hypoglycemia or those with known hypersensitivity to insulin degludec. Always follow proper injection technique and storage requirements.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy