Premixed Insulin Analogues: Best of Both Worlds

Insulin is not only required by patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus also eventually require insulin1. Insulin is the most effective and safe therapy for diabetics, if taken properly. Initiation of insulin therapy poses considerable challenges for both patients and health care providers. Common patient concerns include anxiety about injections, the time needed to learn injection technique and fears of weight gain and hypoglycemia. Many patients start insulin therapy using NPH insulin or another long acting insulin that only provides basal coverage. Optimal glycemic control usually is not achieved with long acting insulin alone; therefore it is necessary to use these in combination by administering multiple daily injections.