Le point sur les nouvelles insulines

It is well known that the optimal management of diabetes mellitus requires the use of various insulin formulations with complementary pharmacokinetics, in order to better mimic physiological (basal and postprandial) insulin secretion. Recent advances led to the production of insulin analogues thanks to the substitution of specific amino acids. Pharmacokinetics is improved, without affecting pharmacodynamics or increasing side-effects. These new insulin forms concern both so-called ultra-short insulin analogues and long-acting insulin analogues (basal insulin). Even if they are not able to dramatically lower glycated haemoglobin levels, these new insulins significantly reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia and offer some practical advantages that could improve the quality of life of diabetic patients.