What is the purpose of prescribing long-acting insulin such as detemir?

Long-acting insulin, such as detemir, is prescribed primarily to establish basal insulin levels in individuals with diabetes. The role of basal insulin is to maintain a consistent level of insulin in the bloodstream throughout the day and night, regardless of meal times. This helps to manage blood glucose levels between meals and during fasting states, providing a steady background insulin supply to counteract hepatic glucose production and support overall glycemic control.

By establishing these basal levels, long-acting insulin helps prevent the high blood sugar levels that can occur in the absence of sufficient insulin. This approach is crucial for managing diabetes effectively, as it ensures that the patient has a baseline level of insulin available to regulate glucose levels continuously.