This post-hoc analysis presents an exploratory sub-analysis of efficacy and safety in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were either under or over the age of 65 years and were treated with the basal insulin analog, insulin detemir.

Efficacy and safety profiles were found to be similar with both age groups and the results of this analysis support the use of a once-daily basal insulin in lowering HbA1c (A1C) and fasting plasma glucose while demonstrating a low rate of hypoglycemia and no weight gain.

This analysis showed that basal insulin may be a viable option for those aged ≥65 years and should be considered earlier in the course of diabetes rather than reserved for the latter stages of the disease.