Insulin U-500, the Practical Solution for the treatment of Patients with High Insulin Requirements

Title:Insulin U-500, the Practical Solution for the treatment of Patients with High Insulin Requirements

Volume: 17 Issue: 1

Author(s): Nasser Mikhail*

Affiliation:

• Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, 14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, 91342,United States

Keywords: Concentrated insulin U-500, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, insulin.

Abstract:

Background: Human regular insulin 500 (U-500) is 5 five times more concentrated than the traditional regular human insulin (U-100). Thus, every 1 ml of U-500 contains 500 units of insulin as opposed to 100 units/ml with most types of insulin.

Methods: Review of all the relevant clinical studies related to insulin U-500 until February 12, 2020.

Results: Insulin U-500 is indicated in patients with type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day. Insulin U-500 has both prandial and basal actions, and can be injected as monotherapy in a convenient twice-daily regimen. Available data suggest that insulin U-500 is effective, associated with better compliance, and decreased injection pain compared with non-concentrated insulins. Its main limitations are hypoglycemia and weight gain, and the possibility of dosing errors.

Conclusions: Overall, insulin U-500 is an effective and safe treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Randomized trials are needed to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of insulin U-500 with other forms of insulin regimens.

Cite this article as:

Mikhail Nasser *, Insulin U-500, the Practical Solution for the treatment of Patients with High Insulin Requirements, Current Diabetes Reviews 2021; 17 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1573399816666200408084614