Authors' objectives: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the evidence available on the efficacy, safety and coverage related policies aspects for the use of Insulin Detemir for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in children, adolescents and pregnant women.

Authors' recommendations: Evidence of high methodological quality was identified. The efficacy of Insulin Detemir in children and adolescents with Type 1 DM is similar to that of NPH (baseline insulin) in terms of HBA1c decrease. Based on the information reported by two RCTs and several observational studies, the evidence shows that Insulin Detemir might have only a slightly better profile in relation to risks of hypoglycemia. For these reasons and because the insulin analogues are very expensive, they are not considered standard therapies; they are used in special situations such as lack of metabolic control or frequent occurrence of nocturnal or severe episodes of hypoglycemia, where a lower number of administrations might be required. Several European health systems recommend the use of NPH insulin during pregnancy because it helps to better adjust the response to a variable calorie intake and the insulin-sensitivity in pregnant women. The available information on insulin detemir is not enough to recommend its routine use as substitute of NPH during pregnancy.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: https://www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/?cod_publicacion=1500&origen_publicacion=publicaciones

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)