Insulin detemir is a long-acting form of insulin medication prescribed to treat type 1 diabetes. It may also be prescribed to patients managing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin detemir is administered as a subcutaneous injection (a shot given just below the skin) to lower blood sugar levels. Not only does insulin detemir help manage blood sugar levels, but it can also help patients with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Insulin detemir is prescribed in conjunction with other treatment measures such as exercise and dietary changes to help patients lose weight and prevent serious complications caused by diabetes.

Insulin detemir is prescribed as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not properly process food into energy. When we eat food (particularly carbs) the body turns it into glucose (sugar), the substance our body uses as energy. Central to this process is insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or uses it inefficiently. This causes the blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, to either get too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and other risk factors, type 1 diabetes has no common cause. It commonly appears during childhood and has no cure – although genetics and environment are thought to play a role in its development. If left untreated and unmanaged, diabetes can cause serious – potentially life-threatening – complications.

Possible complications caused by diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Eye damage
  
• Nerve damage
  
• Foot problems
  
• Skin conditions
  

It’s important to note that type 1 diabetes cannot be cured. Insulin detemir is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with diabetes to help them manage the disease.

Insulin detemir has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse effects do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from insulin detemir use include:

• Irritation or redness at the injection site
  
• Vision changes
  
• Weight gain
  
• Constipation
  

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects.

If you experience an unexplained rash, swelling, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, dramatic weight gain, changes in your heartbeat, or dizziness while taking insulin detemir, seek medical attention immediately. These are early signs of a potentially serious adverse reaction to the medication reaction.

Talk to your health care provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with insulin detemir.

Insulin detemir is administered as a subcutaneous injection (a shot injected into the stomach, thighs, or upper arm). Talk to your doctor about the best method for application, as well as how to store the medication. Before injecting insulin detemir, double-check the concentration and dose of the injection. Concentration and dosage are not the same. The concentration of insulin describes the strength of your prescription. The dose is the amount of insulin you are prescribed to use.

The specific dosage, and the frequency of administration, will depend on your age and blood sugar levels. If you have any questions about your specific dosage or the difference between concentration and dosage, talk to your health care provider.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of insulin detemir without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Insulin detemir is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not insulin detemir is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for insulin detemir to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.