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Effect of Newer Long-Acting Insulins on Hypoglycemia and Fracture Risk Among People with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

  • Bone and Diabetes (A Schwartz and P Vestergaard, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Osteoporosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To investigate the effect of newer long-acting insulins on the risk of hypoglycemic episodes and fractures in people with diabetes.

Recent Findings

Hypoglycemic episodes are the critical limiting factor in glycemic management due to a deteriorating effect on quality of life. Hypoglycemia may in severe cases lead to unconsciousness and thus fractures. Newer long-acting insulins may result in more stable blood glucose levels, less hypoglycemic episodes, and reduced risk of fractures.

Summary

Use of insulin increases risk of hypoglycemic episodes, and hypoglycemic episodes increase risk of fractures plausible due to falls. Newer ultra-long-acting insulins reduce risk of hypoglycemic episodes compared to older alternatives, and they are thus promising for reducing fracture risk. However, more studies are needed to determine whether these new insulins reduce risk of fractures.

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Abbreviations

ERR:

Estimated rate ratio

HR:

Hazard rate ratio

OR:

Odds ratio

CI:

Confidence interval

T1D:

Type 1 diabetes

T2D:

Type 2 diabetes

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 19, 9100, Aalborg, Denmark

    Stine Hangaard & Morten Hasselstrøm Jensen

  2. Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, 9210, Aalborg, Denmark

    Stine Hangaard & Morten Hasselstrøm Jensen

Authors
  1. Stine Hangaard
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Correspondence to Morten Hasselstrøm Jensen.

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Author Jensen is a former employee at Novo Nordisk and holds shares in Novo Nordisk.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Hangaard, S., Jensen, M.H. Effect of Newer Long-Acting Insulins on Hypoglycemia and Fracture Risk Among People with Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Curr Osteoporos Rep 19, 637–643 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-021-00706-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-021-00706-7

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