Biphasic Insulin Analogs for Treatment of Diabetes: A Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a huge social and economic burden. Achieving guidelines glycemic targets can help reduce the burden of type 2 DM (T2DM)-related complications; however many patients fail to meet these goals. The introduction of insulin analogs, including biphasic insulin analogs, has helped to reduce barriers to patient adherence and to improve outcomes. This review examines the clinical benefits and cost utility of biphasic insulin analogs versus other treatment approaches, in particular human biphasic insulins. Biphasic insulin analogs have a greater flexibility of dosing as compared to equivalent human insulin preparations, resulting in greater convenience and patient satisfaction, and in observational studies, improved efficacy in terms of glycemic control in patients inadequately controlled on human biphasic insulin. Biphasic insulin analogs have shown improved postprandial glucose (PPG) control and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with biphasic human insulin. Treatment with biphasic insulin analogs is cost-effective versus other options in the long term. Biphasic insulin analog treatment of uncontrolled T2DM should be considered an appropriate investment of healthcare resources.