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Antidiabetic / long-acting (basal) insulin

Insulin detemir: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Levemir.

Ces informations sont fournies à titre indicatif uniquement et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute préoccupation médicale personnelle. En cas d'urgence, appelez votre numéro d'urgence local.

What it is used for

  • Type 1 diabetes (background insulin)
  • Type 2 diabetes (background insulin when needed)

How it works

Insulin detemir is a long-acting insulin that provides steady background blood-sugar control over many hours by helping cells take up glucose, smoothing out levels between meals and overnight.

How it is taken

Given as an injection under the skin using a pen or vial and syringe, usually at consistent times each day. Use it exactly as your diabetes team shows you and as the label directs; rotate injection sites and never share pens or needles.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Skin lumps or thickening with repeated use of one spot
  • Weight gain (often modest)

Serious effects — get help

  • Severe low blood sugar with confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness — emergency care needed
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Very low potassium (uncommon) causing weakness or irregular heartbeat

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Other diabetes medicines and insulins
  • Alcohol
  • Steroids and some hormone or blood-pressure medicines
  • Beta-blockers (may hide low-blood-sugar warning signs)

Who should take care

  • Do not mix with other insulins in the same syringe unless told to
  • Learn to recognise and treat low blood sugar; carry a fast-acting sugar source
  • Adjust your plan for illness, travel, and changes in diet or activity
  • Tell your care team if pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
  • Store and check the insulin as directed before use

Frequently asked questions

How is detemir different from glargine?
Both are long-acting background insulins. They differ slightly in how long and steadily they act, and some people need detemir more than once a day. Your doctor selects the best fit.
Can I use it with mealtime insulin?
Yes, it is commonly combined with a rapid- or short-acting insulin for meals. Your team will set up the full plan.
Does it cause much weight gain?
Weight gain with detemir is often modest compared with some other insulins, but this varies. Diet and activity remain important.
When should I inject it?
Usually at consistent times each day as your team advises. Keeping timing regular helps maintain steady background control.
Is Insulin detemir safe to take?
For most people it is safe when taken exactly as a doctor or pharmacist advises and as printed on the label. Tell your clinician about your other medicines and health conditions, and seek urgent care for any serious reaction.

Related conditions

Related medicines

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