How Does Levemir® Work?

Levemir® is a long-acting insulin

Levemir® is used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As an insulin therapy that helps control blood sugar levels between meals and while you sleep, Levemir® is a long-acting insulin.

In people without diabetes, long-acting insulin, or basal insulin is produced by the pancreas in a steady amount, day and night. This keeps blood sugar within a normal range overnight and between meals. With diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin to control your blood sugar. As a long-acting insulin, Levemir® helps control your blood sugar for up to 24 hours.

Some people may take Levemir® by itself, while others may take Levemir® along with diabetes pills or with a fast-acting, or bolus insulin.

Levemir® in combination with diabetes pills

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may prescribe meal planning, exercise, and diabetes pills to help control your blood sugar levels. However, diabetes pills sometimes stop working after a few months or years. This may be due to the way diabetes pills work, or to your diabetes changing over time. When you need more control over your blood sugar levels, your doctor may recommend combination therapy with diabetes pills and Levemir®.

Levemir® in combination with a fast-acting insulin

People who take Levemir® may also take a fast- or rapid-acting insulin. In people without diabetes, fast-acting insulin is released in quick bursts after a meal to cover the blood sugar that is produced when food is digested. Fast-acting and long-lasting insulins work together to control blood sugar.

Taking a long-acting insulin such as Levemir® and a fast-acting insulin is called "basal-bolus therapy." Basal-bolus therapy is useful for people with diabetes who need more control over their blood sugar levels.