Evaluation of the efficiency of insulin degludec/insulin aspart therapy in controlling hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a real-life experience

Background Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is the first dual combination that acts separately (basal and prandial actions). Different insulin regimens can be switched to IDegAsp. Several studies have been conducted evaluating the effectiveness and safety of IDegAsp. The purpose of this real-life study was to determine the effects of IDegAsp on metabolic control and hypoglycemia in patients who were switched from different insulin regimens to IDegAsp therapy. Methods We retrospectively analysed the data of 401 patients. Comorbid conditions, metabolic parameters, total insulin dose, injection frequency and hypoglycemia events were recorded. Baseline data were compared with post-IDegAsp data. Results Of the 401 patients, 208 were females and 193 were males, with a mean age of 64.8 +/- 10.5 years. The number of injections per day and total insulin doses decreased significantly (p < 0.001) at follow-up. Furthermore, a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c was observed 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after IDegAsp. The frequency of minor hypoglycemia decreased after switching to IDegAsp. Conclusions IDegAsp reduces the frequency of hypoglycemia with fewer injections and less insulin dose and helps provide metabolic control safely.