Combination basal insulin reduces hypoglycemia risk during fasting

The risk for hypoglycemia among people with type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan can be reduced with insulin degludec/insulin aspart therapy compared with biphasic insulin aspart 30, according to a press release from Novo Nordisk.

In study findings presented at the International Diabetes Federation Congress, researchers reported that compared with biphasic insulin aspart 30, insulin degludec/insulin aspart (Ryzodeg, Novo Nordisk) decreased the risk for hypoglycemia by 62% and the risk for nocturnal hypoglycemia by 74%.

“Millions of people with type 2 diabetes participate in Ramadan every year, and we know that periods of prolonged fasting can increase the risk of hypoglycemia,” Mohamed Hassanein, PhD, chair of the Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance, said in the release. “This highlights the importance of people with type 2 diabetes preparing for Ramadan with their doctor and discussing treatment options for preventing episodes of hypoglycemia.”

The effectiveness of insulin degludec/insulin aspart was evaluated in a 28-week, international, open-label, randomized trial that included 263 adults at the end of Ramadan and 4 weeks after Ramadan. No differences were observed for overall blood glucose control between the two insulin products.

“This trial has shown that Ryzodeg is not only a simple treatment option which can make daily life easier for people with diabetes,” Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer at Novo Nordisk, said in the release. “Ryzodeg also reduces the risk of potentially dangerous episodes of hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes who choose to fast during Ramadan.”