Insulin Detemir
Insulin Detemir is a long-acting basal insulin analog used to control blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus by stimulating glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and suppressing glucose production in the liver.
A long-acting insulin analog used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AE05
- RxNorm
- 139825
- Generic
- Insulin Detemir
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Levemir
- 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 or 0.1-0.2 units/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.1-0.2 units/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Start at 0.1 units/kg once daily, titrate cautiously
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterindividualized based on blood glucose monitoring
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
frequent blood glucose monitoring and fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteroften requires increased doses in late pregnancy
continue insulin therapy as needed for glycemic control
intensive glucose monitoring and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding
monitor maternal blood glucose
pediatric_age
children 2 5 yearsweight-based dosing starting at 0.2-0.4 units/kg
use with caution due to limited long-term safety data
frequent blood glucose monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12 yearsweight-based dosing typically 0.2-0.5 units/kg
approved for type 1 diabetes in this age group
regular glucose monitoring and dose adjustments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower doses typically 0.1-0.2 units/kg
use with caution due to increased hypoglycemia risk and reduced renal clearance
frequent glucose monitoring and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required due to decreased insulin clearance
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
regular renal function monitoring and glucose monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatedose adjustment may be needed based on glucose monitoring
use with caution as hepatic impairment affects insulin metabolism
frequent glucose monitoring and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
occasional usereduce dose when consuming alcohol
avoid alcohol consumption on empty stomach and monitor glucose closely
frequent glucose monitoring especially during and after alcohol consumption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Insulin Detemir (Levemir)
Drug class
Basal insulin analog classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for glycemic control
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults and children requiring basal insulin coverage for glycemic control.
Stimulates peripheral glucose uptake, particularly in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, while inhibiting hepatic glucose production to lower blood glucose levels.
Administered via subcutaneous injection; dosage must be individualized. Monitor blood glucose regularly. Watch for hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Do not use if solution is not clear and colorless.
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