What it means
Insulin detemir is a man-made insulin that is absorbed slowly and lasts up to about 24 hours with no sharp peak, giving a steady background level of insulin. It is clear. It was sold as Levemir, which was discontinued in the US at the end of 2024, so clients there have been moved to other basal insulins such as insulin glargineIN-suh-lin GLAR-jeenA long-acting insulin, injected once a day, that gives a steady background level of insulin for about 24 hours.Full entry .
For the nurse
All insulin is on ISMP's high-alert list. Give it SUBQ, never IV, and do not mix it in a syringe with other insulins. Check the glucose before giving it and teach the signs of hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry .
At a glance
| Drug class | long-acting insulin |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Levemir |
| Also written | insulin detemir |
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
insulin glargine
A long-acting insulin, injected once a day, that gives a steady background level of insulin for about 24 hours.