Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops due to a complete lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, helping the cells in the body absorb glucose from blood.
Treating patients with diabetes requires an external source of insulin. Various commercial forms are available, with varying modes of actions. Tresiba, the brand name for insulin degludec, is a form of Insulin used to treat diabetes.
What is Tresiba (Insulin Degludec)?
Tresbia is the trade name for the drug insulin degludec. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company based in Denmark. Tresbia is an ultra long-acting compound that is an analog to insulin.
After a clinical trial on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics was conducted in 40 countries, Tresiba got approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It begins working a few hours after administration and continues to act for 24 hours.
It is available in pre-filled disposable pens with a dosage of either 300 (U-100, 100 units/mL) or 600 (U-200) units.
How Does Tresiba Work?
Before we can understand how Tresiba works, it is essential to understand how natural insulin works. In the beta cells of the pancreas, insulin is found in the form of a dimer (two chains). Three strings of dimers form a chemical bond with zinc cations to form hexamer. This hexamer is inactive and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas.
The hexameric form is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is dissociated to active monomeric forms.
Tresiba works on the same exact mechanism. At the site of injection (usually subcutaneous tissue), it forms a depot of hexamers. It acts as a reservoir from which active monomers are constantly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Always use Tresiba according to the prescription provided by your physician. Disposable pens are available for injecting the drug. Do not use if the drug inside the pen is coloured or cloudy, and do not share pens with others even if you use fresh needles. Refrigerate the drug at a temperature 36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]. Do not freeze it.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Insulin Degludec has a half-life of 25 hours and a maximal duration of action of 42 hours. According to the manufacturer, the medicine can be kept at room temperature below 30C for up to 8 weeks.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
