Insulin Degludec : Dr Ajay Kumar noted Diabetologist of Patna has contributed as one of the Principal Investigators in the clinical research and development of new insulin.

 Noted physician and diabetes specialist of Patna, Dr Ajay Kumar, has contributed as one of the Principal Investigators in the clinical research and development of new insulin called, Insulin Degludec. This molecule has been developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.  under the brand name Tresiba. It is injected subcutaneously three-times a week to help control the blood sugar level of those with diabetes. It has a duration of action that lasts up to 40 hours, unlike the 18 to 26 hours provided by current marketed long-acting insulins such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir.

Insulin degludec is a modified insulin that has one single amino acid deleted in comparison to human insulin, and is conjugated to hexadecanedioic acid via gamma-L-glutamyl spacer at the amino acid lysine at position B29.

Dr Ajay Kumar returned from London on Sunday after presenting his analysis of the research data at the Insulin Degludec result meeting held there on November 16.

This new insulin is far better than existing insulins available in the market both in terms of efficacy and safety. It is an ultra long acting drug with a half life of 25 hours. This makes it eminently suitable for once daily administration to keep the blood sugar control for 24 hours a day. 

Another advantage is significant reduction in the incidence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is a big problem with existing insulins. Insulin Degludec reduces both total and nocturnal hypoglycemia. Nocturnal hypoglycemia can be particularly dangerous as the subject might not be aware of its occurrence and may not take corrective steps to treat.

Unlike currently available insulins, Degludec does not cause significant weight gain. This is considered a big advantage as any weight gain in a diabetic subject might increase the risk of heart disease.

Degludec can be injected at any time of the day depending upon what might be the largest meal for that particular individual. This flexibility is going to make it very user friendly and yet achieve the best possible blood sugar control. 

Dr Ajay Kumar presented the analysis regarding one of the most wonderful properties of Insulin Degludec called reduced glucose variability. Peaks and nadirs of blood sugar fluctuations are extremely dangerous with respect to development of heart disease and other complications of diabetes affecting kidneys, eyes, nerves and other organs of human body. Insulin Degludec has shown to reduce the glucose

variability in comparison to the existing insulins. This could be helpful in reducing the diabetic complications, incidence of hypoglycemia and overall mortality from diabetes.