• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

What’s everyone planning now that Levemir is going?

J

Jamie S

Member
Messages
8
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I wanted to start a thread for anyone using Levemir and wondering what happens next.
It looks like it’s being phased out completely, so most of us will need to change our basal insulin soon. (Before end 2026)

A few things worth asking each other:

  • Who here has already spoken to their diabetes team about switching?
  • Which replacement were you offered — Tresiba, Toujeo, or something else? If any?
  • If you’ve already changed, how has your control or hypo pattern been? Answers for Forced change from levemir going only.
  • Did your clinic reduce your dose when you switched, or keep it the same?
  • Anyone still using twice-daily Levemir — did you move to a single daily dose with the new one?
  • Any differences in pen devices or injection feel compared to Levemir?
  • For people combining with NovoRapid, did you have to change your ratios after the swap?
  • Changes will be lifestyle based so try add small amounts of information on lifestyle, could be 9-5 active 5 nights per week, or 9-5 not active.
This could help everyone preparing for the switch. It’s leaving me with many unanswered questions.
If you’re unsure which insulin to ask for, what questions would you take to your next clinic appointment?
Let’s share what’s working and what’s not so none of us are guessing when the change comes.
To confirm it due to be unavailable from end of 2026, we have 12 months to take control rather than be controlled.
 
I used levemir for many years, then there was some shortage of it and I was transferred to toujeo for about 2 years, but I didn't notice any special differences, then I was transferred to tresiba. At first, I was told to reduce the dose by 20%, and then slowly increase it, but it returned to about the same value as it was on tujeo and levemir.

Of the advantages with Tresiba, it doesn't matter what time to give the injection, you can forget to give the injection and remember at the end of the day without consequences, or duplicate the dose and not suffer hypo all day.
On the downside, it takes about 3 days to change the dosage because there is no effect every other day, and you can't increase the dose for one day when you know your activity will be fundamentally different.

in principle, I was happy with both toujeo and tresiba. I didn't change the bolus on any of them.
 
Last edited:
I have only e er used Trujeo and Trurapi both Sanofi company
I started with very low dose of Trujeo and worked up to 42 units a day than added the Trurapi
Never had a problem with the Trujeo at all a one off injection per day
Trurapi did cause one or two false hypos ( I am sure Trurapi is the new Novorapid)
 
Hi
Good post for me as i am a levemir twice daily and novorapid user.
However i do things a bit differently so cannot answer a few of @Jamie S point.

Type 1 of 50 years i don't see a specialist or attend a diabetic clinic and rely on experience and my wits.

I don't mean that to sound smug its just what i do.
I'm 57 5ft 7 inches 10 stone 10 and a hba1c of 39 or 5.7.
I have a fabulous GPs practice who take my bloods and equally fabulous chemist who is an independent.

I have already started stocking up on Levemir to give myself plenty of time and as it stands i plan to go onto Lantus.
Its been around along time and i know several people using it.

I often dip in and out of low carbing and sometimes go a full 24 hours without food and find it straight forward and my current dose of levemir is 10 units at 6 am and 14 units at 6 pm.

I will start the Lantus at a reduced dose of 16 units and fast until i know whats happening.

The Libre gets alot of bad press which i find bizarre at best as its worked wonders for me in achieving such good control.
I will use it to analyse my levels and act accordingly.

Having had diabetes a while not much fazes me and thanks to the libre i will make the necessary changes myself.

I might change my mind as there is plenty of time and i do hope people put their experiences on here......it will be useful to all of us.

Just to re iterate this is my plan and mine alone and am comfortable in my own decision making process.
I do see the need for clinics and specialists.

I wish you well

Tony
 
I was happy with Levemir for many years, but decided to jump before I was pushed, and asked to be moved to Tresiba a few months back, based on good things I'd heard about it from others including on here.

Going back to a Glargine was off the table - I spent many years on Lantus before Levemir, and it would feel like a step back - after having Levemir to compare it to, I saw how inconsistent Glargine had been for me in terms of rate of absorption.

I'm lucky in that I'd generally kept my Levemir in 2 equal doses 12h apart, which simplified the transition to Tresiba. I think started with around 95% my previous total basal dose then slowly worked my way down to around 90% which kept me nice and flat. Since then I've had to bring it back up to 105%, but I think that's just my normal seasonal variation (I've always needed much less insulin in summer).

So far I am loving it. My overnight graph is flatter than ever before, and control the best it's ever been. I also like having one less injection, and it not mattering if the time changes a few hours.
The only real downside I've found is that dose adjustments take a few days and while getting it dialled in I had a few lows that were really stubborn to treat - took more time and sugar to bring back up then I'm used to. I think maybe because they came after long periods of coasting in the mid 4s.

My activity level and food intake does vary quite a bit from day to day, but I'm okay managing that just through bolus (Humalog), and my needs there haven't changed much. I rarely go more than one day in a row without a workout, but if I do I notice I struggle more to avoid highs.
 
I'm on a pump now but many moons ago when I was on MDI I started on Lantus and due to issues with night time hypo's I was swapped to Levemir. Neither of them worked brilliantly for me, although if I have a pump failure, Levemir is still on my prescription list... I keep forgetting to bring it up with my Doctor. When I inevitably do have to change I'd likely ask if I can have Tresiba. I'm not fond of going back to Lantus even if it is just a back up and I've heard many good things about Tresiba. From what I remember, my dosage stayed the same and I could only inject once a day (night time low issues with twice a day). My carb ratios only changed once I was on a pump so during my swap with basal insulin they stayed the same.

I must admit @Jamie S I am curious what your thoughts or plans are on swapping, since you also appear to be on Levemir, so you will ultimately need to swap over at some point.
 
 
Hi @Jamie S ,

Welcome to the forum.

I have to ask.
What are your diabetic team’s (or consultant’s.) views regarding a basal replacement with the levemir phase out?
Has this been in discussion?
 
I'm another person who's recently been changed to Ablasagar from Levemir, however I likely won't be using it by the time I start my insulin pump on 25th November, so I suspect I won't have much experience to share to compare. I have been on Lantus in the past (now I think about it, it may have been the Glargine one but I honestly cannot remember properly, it was so long ago now) and had a tough time on that. Hopefully if or when I do have to use Ablasagar, it won't be as bad of an experience despite it's links to being like Lantus types and my past bad experience.
 
You pose some interesting questions.

I’m sure other members would be interested to see your own answers to the questions you pose, particularly

when you are thinking of switching?
which insulins are you considering?
what questions for your team do you already have?
What would you consider most important when switching?
Have you switched basal in the past and did it cause any issues?
 
I have already posted that not much fazes me but the thought of a pump does @EllieM !
The very thought of it makes me shudder but i'm not sure why and i'm smiling as i type.

However i'm wise enough to know i might get the change from levemir wrong and i might need help and/or even a pump!!

My favourite time lord once said....

"never be certain of anything its a sign of limited intelligence"

Tony
 
Hi @Jamie S,

I'm a type 1 diabetic currently on a Levemir split dose and I'll be switching to a new basal insulin once I've seen my diabetes consultant in July next year. My last appointment with my diabetes consultant was in July this year and I mentioned the Levemir discontinuation at the time. Interestingly, my consultant did not bring it up. I had to bring it up with them!

At that time, my diabetes consultant was unable to switch me over to a new basal insulin due to restrictions that were in place regarding switching. These restrictions are no longer in place but I won't be seeing my diabetes consultant again until next year so I won't be able to switch over to a new basal insulin until then.

When I asked my diabetes consultant about the possible options regarding the switch, I was advised to look into Tresiba and Toujeo. I wasn't offered any other choices.

I've been using Levemir for over 16 years and my split dose is very uneven (a large amount in the morning and just a unit or two before bed). I have good blood glucose control with it so I'm apprehensive about the switch.

Prior to going on Levemir, I was on Lantus (a glargine insulin) and based on that experience, I wouldn't want to use a glargine insulin again. On Lantus, I experienced quite sudden and dramatic lows as well as redness, stinging, burning and swelling around my injection sites (I think due to the acidity of the glargine insulin). I note that Toujeo is also a glargine insulin. Therefore, it seems my only real option is Tresiba.

I'm currently using NovoRapid as my bolus and this insulin has worked well for me for many years. I believe I'll be staying on NovoRapid and just changing the basal insulin only.
 
Thanks Tony keep up the hard work and great results
 
That’s great, Here is my answer the best I can. I want to switch and take control rather than waiting for it to happen. Now waiting for doctors to write a letter nearly a month so far.
With the choice of 4 I have really heard about one being “Lantus” the whole thing is confusing with no help or advice it feels horrible.

1. Insulin degludec – brand name Tresiba​

  • Duration: Over 42 hours (ultra-long acting)
  • Dosing: Once daily; timing can be flexible (up to 8–12 hours either way)
  • Profile: Smooth, flat action with very low night-time hypo risk
  • Best for: People wanting stable control and flexibility
  • Notes: Usually start at 80–90 % of your total Levemir dose

2. Insulin glargine 300 U/mL – brand name Toujeo​

  • Duration: Around 30–36 hours
  • Dosing: Once daily, same time each day
  • Profile: Flatter, longer-lasting than standard glargine (Lantus)
  • Best for: Those who prefer once-daily dosing with minimal glucose swings
  • Notes: Often needs a slightly higher dose than Lantus or Levemir

3. Insulin glargine 100 U/mL – brands Lantus, Abasaglar, Semglee​

  • Duration: About 24 hours
  • Dosing: Once daily (occasionally split if it doesn’t last 24 h)
  • Profile: Proven, reliable long-acting analogue
  • Best for: Straightforward once-daily routine, widely prescribed on NHS
  • Notes: Many biosimilar options—your pharmacy may supply whichever is stocked

4. Human NPH (insulin isophane) – brands Humulin I, Insulatard​

  • Duration: 12–18 hours (intermediate-acting)
  • Dosing: Twice daily
  • Profile: Older insulin with a distinct “peak” mid-cycle
  • Best for: Budget or fallback option where analogues aren’t available
  • Notes: Greater day-to-day variability; requires careful timing with meals

10-15 years ago I changed from humalog 25, where I was dowsing full 60 units with no changes, my diabetes doctors are not specialists in diabetes so I’ve had terrible car for years. Learning a lot on my way. I remember the change as a huge positive at the time it changed my life. I’m just hoping I get or gain the same feeling, I worry it will tak so long before I get it right.

I believe insulin’s are suited more to types of lifestyle, I’m 6ft around 22 stone, not as active as I should be, all over body pain, no help from doctors just pain killers I try not to take. Active for around 6 hours a day, depending how active leads to further days I can’t function, or even get up.

I always believe change is good. It’s just as I’m getting older now 40, I think to much over just going with something. With the lack of help I lose trust so I need to understand what assumptions any doctors are choosing for me.

I’m also going to look at the private route for a second opinion to help with my final decision making.

I hope this helps.

Jamie
 
This is the kind of care that seams to be the norm, my “diabetes” didn’t know anything I asked!
This would leave you with 6 month before they are saying it will run out, maybe ask for anything appointment to stay in control. I’m trying now and lost 4 weeks waiting for a letter.
Lily21 said:
When I asked my diabetes consultant about the possible options regarding the switch, I was advised to look into Tresiba and Toujeo. I wasn't offered any other choices.
Click to expand...
I’m yet to be offered of even look at anything, my “diabetic” doctor knows nothing.
This is interesting
Lily21 said:
I'm currently using NovoRapid as my bolus and this insulin has worked well for me for many years. I believe I'll be staying on NovoRapid and just changing the basal insulin only.
Click to expand...
I’m hoping for the same change.
Thank you fir your time and information.
 
Jaylee said:
Hi @Jamie S ,

Welcome to the forum.

I have to ask.
What are your diabetic team’s (or consultant’s.) views regarding a basal replacement with the levemir phase out?
Has this been in discussion?
Click to expand...
Useless at this stage I’ve had nothing, 4 weeks now waiting on a letter. I was literally told over the phone on a telephone appointment seeing how my diabetes is.
 
Thanks @Jamie S for the update

I'm leaning towards Tresiba instead of Lantus but still have 4 months supply of levemir.

Tony
 

Personal update – timelines, discontinuations, and why the last 9–11 weeks have been so hard​

I wanted to share a fuller picture of what’s been happening for me, because when you only see bits of this story it can sound like over-reacting. Living through it hasn’t felt like that at all.

What’s actually been discontinued (and when)​

  • Levemir (insulin detemir)
    The decision to discontinue Levemir was made at a national/manufacturer level, with early warnings appearing in 2024. Stock is expected to last until end of 2026, but clinical guidance (published August 2025) says clinicians should already be reviewing and preparing patients to switch, not waiting until the last minute.
  • NovoRapid
    The insulin itself is not being discontinued.
    What is being phased out is one device format (FlexTouch), with stock expected to run down around early–mid 2025. Other formats (Penfill cartridges, FlexPen, biosimilars) remain available. Unfortunately this distinction isn’t being communicated clearly at patient level.
So in reality:

  • one insulin is being withdrawn (Levemir)
  • one insulin isn’t, but its pen device is changing (NovoRapid)
That combination alone is enough to cause anxiety.

What should have happened (but didn’t)​

Ideally, over the last year:

  • patients should have been informed early
  • switches should have been planned calmly
  • people should have had time to ask questions
  • pen/device changes should have been explained properly
  • no one should have been left guessing or panicking
In my case, that didn’t happen. Hasn’t happened, 2 calls last week one from my “diabetic doctor” can do anything I’ll get the Doctor to call you again “sorry we can do anything” “we don’t have paperwork telling us what to do” I believe I found the information so now forwarding to the doctors asking for an immediate change.

What I’ve been dealing with for the last 9–11 weeks​

Over roughly the last 9–11 weeks:

  • I’ve been waiting for letters that never got sent
  • Waiting on reply from West Suffolk Diabetic team still nothing 4 days today they have said 5 so I’ll give a little here.
  • had phone calls where clinicians openly said they had no paperwork or guidance to go by.
  • been told to “wait for advice” with no timeline, letter now sent to diabetic team, no time line.
  • been passed between GP, diabetes team, and pharmacy with no one owning the plan.
  • been asked to complete unrelated checks before letters could be sent
  • been given conflicting information about insulin supply
  • and only recently uncovered the actual national guidance myself
  • Last collection of levemir I found the whole issue with change of pens, novorapid included, (not stock of insulin) just pen type.
On top of that, I rely on both basal and bolus insulin using the same pen system, so device changes matter for safety, confidence, and avoiding dosing errors. That concern wasn’t really being heard either. None of this is mentioned or spoke about leaving me stressed and all I’m told is to up my blood pressure tables, “ I said I’m stress and it’s the cause please just help”

The result hasn’t just been frustration — it’s been stress, loss of control, and blood sugars becoming more erratic, which anyone with Type 1 knows is a vicious cycle. Not in a good place!

What has been done​

  • I now understand the real timelines
  • I’ve identified a safe, consistent option (Penfill cartridges with reusable pens)
  • I know which parts are insulin issues vs device issues
  • I’ve been able to start advocating clearly for myself
But I’ve had to do most of that legwork myself, which hasn’t been easy.

Why I’m sharing this​

I’m not sharing this to blame individual clinicians. It’s clear the system hasn’t caught up with itself yet. I’m sharing it because if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed by all this — there’s a reason.

This hasn’t been a smooth, well-communicated transition, and it’s okay to say that out loud.

If anyone else has been through a similar timeline, or has already switched and can share how it was handled, I’d really appreciate hearing about it. Even just knowing others understand makes this feel less isolating
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…