Basal Insulin Inadequacy versus Failure – Using Appropriate Terminology

Abstract

This editorial focuses on appropriate terminology related to basal insulin therapy. The authors analyse current usage of ‘basal insulin failure’, and propose ‘basal insulin inadequacy’ as a better descriptor for persons not responding to basal insulin alone. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences between various basal insulin preparations are highlighted. Based upon these, a drug-specific definition for insulin inadequacy is suggested, instead of a generic class-based labelling.