The Experience of our Center in Patients Undergoing Insulin Degludec/ Insulin Aspart Co-formulation Therapy

Abstract

Aim: A co-formulation containing insulin degludec and insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is available for the treatment of diabetes in Turkey. We aimed to evaluate the clinical results of switching to IDegAsp treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A total of 217 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with IDegAsp and having follow-up data were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 switched from basal insulin to IDegAsp, group 2 switched from twice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp, and group 3 switched from intensive and thrice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp. Groups were evaluated in terms of changes in insulin dose, the number of injections, and changes in HbA1c.

Results: The mean follow-up period was 7.5 ± 4.4 months. The mean age was 62.8 ± 12.9 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 15.3 ± 8 years. There was a significant decrease in HbA1c and glucose (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c was significantly reduced in group 1 (p < 0.0001) while insulin dose and the number of injections increased (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c, insulin dose, and the number of injections in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, respectively, and p < 0.0001, p = 0.043, p < 0.0001, respectively) were significantly reduced.

Conclusion: This study includes real-life experiences involving a remarkable number of patients in the literature. IDegAsp treatment provided effective blood glucose regulation and caused a significant decrease in the insulin dose and the number of injections, resulting in increased quality of life among those who had to receive twice or more insulin injections.

Keywords: HbA1c; IDegAsp; diabetes mellitus; glycemic control; hypoglycemia; insulin.