Insulin U-500, the Practical Solution for the treatment of Patients with High Insulin Requirements

Abstract

Background: Human regular insulin 500 (U-500) is 5 five times more concentrated than the traditional regular human insulin (U-100). Thus, every 1 ml of U-500 contains 500 units of insulin as opposed to 100 units/ml with most types of insulin. Methods: Review of all the relevant clinical studies related to insulin U-500 until February 12, 2020. Results: Insulin U-500 is indicated in patients with type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day. Insulin U-500 has both prandial and basal actions, and can be injected as monotherapy in a convenient twice-daily regimen. Available data suggest that insulin U-500 is effective, associated with better compliance, and decreased injection pain compared with non-concentrated insulins. Its main limitations are hypoglycemia and weight gain, and the possibility of dosing errors. Conclusions: Overall, insulin U-500 is an effective and safe treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Randomized trials are needed to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of insulin U-500 with other forms of insulin regimens.