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Levemir Increasing Auto-immune attack?

cz_dave

Well-Known Member
Messages
450
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have come across a research report that documents the increase of the auto-immune attack in patients using Levemir.

"Antibody development Antibody development has been observed with the use of Levemir in adults and children however no discernable impact on glycaemic control or dose has been noted. In a 12 month clinical trial in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with type 1 diabetes (1689 study), rises in insulin detemir specific and cross-reacting antibodies were observed in the Levemir LEVEMIR 8 10 2013.doc 11 but not the NPH comparator groups. In the 1690 extension study to 24 months, insulin antibody levels decreased during the second year to those slightly higher than pre-trial levels (see ‘Clinical Trials’)."

What does everyone think? @tim2000s, @noblehead, @smidge

@LucySW I have noticed you use Insulatard. Is there any specific reason you use this insulin?
 
I've done a quick Google and it would appear (perhaps not unexpectedly) that most analogue insulins cause the body to generate insulin antibodies. As it seems relatively common I'd be unconcerned. These seem to relate directly to the insulin itself.
 
I remember something about that when the analogues were first introduced. Is it something to do with the chemical structure @tim2000s ?
 
azure said:
I remember something about that when the analogues were first introduced. Is it something to do with the chemical structure @tim2000s ?
Click to expand...
If you have a dig about on Google, they appear in response to Human, analogue, bovine and porcine insulins. It's basically the immune system response to something alien being injected. It's just not as extreme as when you get a transplant and require immunosuppressive drugs. Those with allergies to certain insulins also see increased levels of insulin antibodies.
 
Thanks @tim2000s

It'd be interesting to see a study about whether certain insulins are tolerated better in general or whether we all have individual responses to them. Back to google for me then! : D
 
Thanks, everyone. It looks like there is no reason to switch from Levemir then. I also have a few Toujeo pens in the fridge and plan to give Toujeo a try at some point later. No rush though...
 
Hi cz_dave,

I'm on NPH just because I was put on it - I think it's what they prescribe first for low basal doses. It seems to work really well though. And with 3u doses, the NPH five-hour hump never bothers me. On a much higher dose, esp overnight, I don't think it would be so great.

I must say I quite like it. I feel I've been quite fortunate.
 
cz_dave said:
Thanks, everyone. It looks like there is no reason to switch from Levemir then. I also have a few Toujeo pens in the fridge and plan to give Toujeo a try at some point later. No rush though...
Click to expand...

My google found a study that suggested the immune attack was greater on analogues in some people. Wrestling with children so can't find it now, but will do later so you can look.
 
Hi, I take Levemir and I have been for about 4/5 years now and in that time I have had more autoimmune conditions, but, also many emotionally, worrying and extremely stressful events happening in my life, so that could of contributed.
 
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