Use of 50/50 Premixed Insulin Analogs in Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Clinical Recommendations

Five studies (all RCTs; two were subgroup analyses [14, 29] of one RCT [31]) compared Lispro 50 (total 305 patients) with low-mix insulin analogs (total 316 patients) in insulin-naive patients poorly controlled on OHAs [14, 16, 29, 31, 32] (Table 1; Table S1 in the ESM). Four of these studies compared Lispro 50 twice daily (BID) with Lispro 25 BID [14, 29, 31, 32]; one study compared Lispro 50 with BIAsp30 at 1 to 3 injections per day for each treatment [16]. Treatment duration ranged from 12 [32] to 48 weeks [16]. All studies were conducted in Asia (primarily Japan and China).

Lispro 50 resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels compared with low-mix, although the difference was statistically significant in only two studies [29, 32] (Fig. 2; Table 1). The mean change from baseline in HbA1c with Lispro 50 ranged from − 1.69% [31] to − 4.2% [32] (Fig. 2). In subgroup analyses of one RCT, Lispro 50 was more effective than Lispro 25 at reducing HbA1c among patients with baseline HbA1c, PPG, FPG, or glucose excursions, or carbohydrate, fat, or protein intake, greater than the median level, and in patients with energy intake lower than the median [14, 29, 31]. In addition, Lispro 50 was more effective than Lispro 25 in both men and women and in both older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) patients [29]. Where reported, the proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c levels was also greater with Lispro 50 than with low-mix [16, 29, 31] (Table S2 in the ESM). There was no consistent effect of Lispro 50 vs. low-mix on fasting glucose levels (Table 1). In contrast, Lispro 50 consistently reduced PPG, glucose excursions, and/or average SMBG levels to a greater extent than low-mix (Table 1; Table S2 in the ESM). There were no reported differences between treatments in total daily insulin dose at end point, incidence or rate of hypoglycemia, or in the amount of weight gained (Table 1; Table S2 in the ESM).

Two RCTs compared Lispro 50 (with or without one Lispro 25 injection; total 114 patients) with basal insulin (total 113 patients) in insulin-naive patients (Table 1; Table S1 in the ESM) [19, 22]. One RCT was an 8-month crossover study conducted in the United States that compared Lispro 50 before breakfast and lunch plus Lispro 25 before dinner with basal insulin glargine [19]. The other RCT was a 24-week, 3-arm study conducted in Germany that compared Lispro 50 three times daily (TID) with insulin lispro TID and also with basal insulin glargine [22].

In these RCTs, Lispro 50 resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels compared with basal insulin glargine (Table 1). The mean change from baseline in HbA1c with Lispro 50 in each study was − 1.01% [19] and − 1.2% [22]. The proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c levels was numerically but not statistically (or not verified statistically) greater with Lispro 50 than with glargine (Table S2 in the ESM). One RCT showed a greater decrease in FBG with glargine than with Lispro 50 [22], whereas the other RCT showed no significant difference in FBG between treatments [19] (Table 1). In both RCTs, Lispro 50 reduced glucose excursions and post-meal SMBG levels but not PPG (reported in one RCT [22]) to a greater extent than glargine (Table 1; Table S2 in the ESM). The total daily insulin dose at end point and the rate of hypoglycemia were both greater for Lispro 50 than for glargine; weight gain was similar or greater for Lispro 50 than for glargine (Table 1; Table S2 in the ESM).

In one RCT, 63.0% of the 54 patients receiving Lispro 50 and 50.9% of the 53 patients receiving glargine reported their treatment satisfaction (assessed with a nonvalidated, 5-point Likert scale) at the end of the 24-week study as high or very high [22]. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, as the treatment satisfaction questionnaire was not a standard validated tool and therefore may not have been reliable. The same study also reported that 83.3% of patients receiving Lispro 50 were willing to continue their current treatment, compared with 77.4% of patients receiving glargine [22].

One 36-week RCT [20] and one 48-week RCT [18] compared 1 to 3 injections of Lispro 50 (with or without Lispro 25 injections; total 413 patients) with basal insulin glargine plus 1 or 2 prandial injections of insulin lispro (total 415 patients) in insulin-naive patients (Table 1; Table S1 in the ESM). Both RCTs were multinational and examined specific algorithms for initiating and intensifying insulin, starting with a single injection of Lispro 50 or glargine and progressively adding mealtime injections of Lispro 50 and/or Lispro 25 or insulin lispro, respectively.

In both RCTs, there was no significant difference between Lispro 50 and basal–bolus insulin in the reduction of HbA1c [18, 20] (Table 1). Despite this, in one RCT, noninferiority of Lispro 50 to basal–bolus could not be demonstrated [20]. The mean change from baseline in HbA1c with Lispro 50 in each RCT was − 1.65% [18] and − 1.76% [20]. The proportion of patients reaching HbA1c targets also did not differ between treatments, except that one RCT reported that a greater proportion of patients receiving Lispro 50 reached HbA1c < 7.0% compared with basal–bolus [18] (Table S2 in the ESM). In contrast, another RCT reported that a mean HbA1c < 7.0% was achieved only with thrice-daily basal–bolus therapy and not with once- or twice-daily basal–bolus or with any Lispro 50 regimen [20]. This RCT also reported a higher FBG at end point with Lispro 50 than with basal–bolus [20], whereas the other RCT did not report FBG data [18] (Table 1). There was no consistent effect of Lispro 50 vs. basal–bolus on SMBG levels, including post-meal values (Table S2 in the ESM). The total daily insulin dose at end point was reported in one RCT as greater for Lispro 50 than for basal–bolus [20] (Table S2 in the ESM). There were no significant differences between Lispro 50 and basal–bolus in the incidence or rate of hypoglycemia, or in the amount of weight gained (Table 1). One RCT reported that scores for both the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) and the EuroQol EQ-5D increased significantly from baseline in both treatment groups, but with no reported difference between treatments [18].

Four RCTs [15, 17, 24, 25] and three nonrandomized studies [40‐42] compared Mix50 (total 811 patients) with low-mix insulin analogs (total 828 patients) in patients poorly controlled despite previous treatment with insulin (with or without OHAs) (Table 2; Table S1 in the ESM). In five of these studies, previous treatment consisted of premixed insulin (human or analog, usually low mix). Treatment regimens varied amongst the studies, and treatment duration ranged from 2 days [42] to 36 weeks [15]. The studies were conducted in Europe [15]; Europe, South Africa, and Turkey [17]; China [24]; India [25]; Israel [40]; and Japan [41, 42].

Overall, Mix50 resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels compared with low mix, although the results were not consistent (Fig. 2; Table 2). The treatment difference was statistically significant in two RCTs of BIAsp50 [15, 24], but not in another of Lispro 50 [17]; the fourth RCT of Lispro 50 did not report change from baseline levels, but the end point HbA1c did not differ between groups [25]. The mean change from baseline in HbA1c with Mix50 ranged from − 0.6% [40] to − 1.9% [15]. Similarly, the proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c levels was greater with Mix50 than with low mix in two RCTs of BIAsp50 [15, 24], but not in a third RCT of Lispro 50 [17] (Table S2 in the ESM). There were no differences between Mix50 and low mix in the effect on FPG/FBG, except in one RCT where FPG at end point was significantly higher with Lispro 50 than with low mix [17] (Table 2). In contrast, Mix50 reduced PPG, glucose excursions, and/or average SMBG levels to a greater extent than low mix (Table 2; Table S2 in the ESM). The total daily insulin dose at end point was higher for Mix50 than for low mix in three of the four studies when statistically compared (Table S2 in the ESM). The relative risk of minor hypoglycemia did not differ between Mix50 and low mix in one RCT of BIAsp50 [15]; the rate of nocturnal hypoglycemia was higher with Mix50 than with low mix in one RCT of BIAsp50 [24], but lower in another RCT of Lispro 50 [17]; other studies did not report any significant differences in hypoglycemia between treatment groups (Table 2). Weight gain was significantly higher with Mix50 than with low-mix in one RCT of Lispro 50 [17]; the other studies did not report any statistical differences in weight gain between treatments (Table 2).

One multinational, 24-week RCT compared Lispro 50 (n = 158) with basal glargine (n = 159) in patients poorly controlled on insulin (0–2 injections/day) and OHAs [26]; data from this RCT were the only Mix50 data included in a post hoc analysis [34] (Table 2; Table S1 in the ESM). Although this RCT included patients who were insulin-naive, most patients (78.7%; 248 of 315) were on insulin before the trial [26].

Lispro 50 resulted in a greater reduction in HbA1c levels (− 0.72%) compared with basal glargine (− 0.35%) [26, 34] (Table 2). The proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c levels was also statistically greater with Lispro 50 than with glargine [26] (Table S2 in the ESM). There was a greater decrease in FBG, and the end point FBG values were lower, with glargine than with Lispro 50 [26, 34] (Table 2). Conversely, Lispro 50 reduced PPG excursions and SMBG at all time points except at 3 am and pre-breakfast (i.e., FBG) to a greater extent than glargine [26] (Table 2; Table S2 in the ESM). In addition, as demonstrated in the post hoc analysis, Lispro 50 was associated with lower glycemic variability (assessed by 5 indices) than glargine [34] (Table S2 in the ESM). The total daily insulin dose at end point, the rate of hypoglycemia, and the amount of weight gained were greater for Lispro 50 than for glargine (Table 2; Table S2 in the ESM).

Three 24-week RCTs compared Lispro 50 (with or without Lispro 25 injections; total 560 patients) with basal–bolus insulin (basal glargine plus prandial insulin lispro; total 561 patients) in patients poorly controlled on basal or premixed insulin BID with or without OHAs [21, 23, 27] (Table 2; Table S1 in the ESM). One of these RCTs [23] was a multinational substudy of patients who required intensification after 6 months of initial treatment with either basal glargine or Lispro 25 BID [46]. The other RCTs were conducted in Asia (China, Taiwan, Korea) [21] and in the United States and Puerto Rico [27]. An additional 16-week nonrandomized study conducted in Japan examined 28 patients who switched from Mix50 to basal insulin glargine plus insulin glulisine BID [36].

In the RCTs, Lispro 50 reduced HbA1c to a similar [21, 23] or lesser [27] extent than basal–bolus insulin (Table 2). In the nonrandomized study, switching from Mix50 to basal–bolus resulted in a nonsignificant decrease in HbA1c (− 0.1%) [36] (Table 2). The mean change from baseline in HbA1c with Lispro 50 was − 1.1% [21] and − 1.87% [27] in the two RCTs that reported this variable. The proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c levels was lower with Lispro 50 than with basal–bolus insulin, although not all differences were statistically significant (Table S2 in the ESM). Lispro 50 was also less effective than basal–bolus at reducing FBG (Table 2). One RCT reported that Lispro 50 was more effective than basal–bolus at reducing post-lunch PPG, with no treatment differences for blood glucose after other meals [21]; another RCT reported that end point PPG post-breakfast, but not after other meals, was significantly higher with Lispro 50 than with basal–bolus [27] (Table 2). In one RCT, the total daily insulin dose at end point was lower for Lispro 50 than for basal–bolus [27]; there were no treatment group differences in dose in the other RCTs [21, 23] (Table S2 in the ESM). There were no reported differences between Lispro 50 and basal–bolus in the incidence or rate of hypoglycemia, or in the amount of weight gained (Table 2).

In one RCT, there were no differences in the change in DTSQ treatment satisfaction or perceived frequency of hyperglycemia scores (both status and change versions of the DTSQ), or in the Experience With Insulin Therapy Questionnaire (EWITQ) scores, between Lispro 50 (+ Lispro 25) and basal–bolus therapy [21]. However, the DTSQ (status version) perceived frequency of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the Lispro 50 (+ Lispro 25) group than in the basal–bolus group (P = 0.017) [21]. In the nonrandomized study, there was no significant change in DTSQ treatment satisfaction, perceived hyperglycemia, or perceived hypoglycemia scores after patients switched from Mix50 to basal–bolus [36].

For patients initiating insulin treatment, the evidence suggests that Mix50 may result in better glycemic control than either low-mix insulin analogs or basal therapy with insulin glargine, at least in Asian patients with assumed high-carbohydrate diets (Table 1). The improved glycemic control when using Mix50 is undoubtedly related to the greater reduction of PPG levels (Table 1). Although the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain is somewhat greater with Mix50 than with basal insulin, this is also true with low-mix insulin analogs [12, 13].

Interestingly, the studies comparing Mix50 with low-mix analogs for initiation were all conducted in Asia, where premixed insulins are more commonly used than in Western countries [31, 47]. Asian patients may require tighter control of PPG in part because of a high-carbohydrate diet [14, 31] and because of greater glycemic responses to certain foods like rice compared with patients of European descent [48]. Indeed, subanalyses of the largest RCT indicate that Lispro 50 has the most benefit relative to Lispro 25 in patients with a high carbohydrate intake, as well as in patients with high baseline HbA1c (≥ 8.4%), PPG (≥ 13.30 or ≥ 13.5 mmol/L), glucose excursion (≥ 4.4 mmol/L), or FPG (≥ 9.0 mmol/L), at least in this Asian study population [14, 29, 31]. None of the studies comparing Mix50 with low-mix analogs for initiation were conducted in non-Asian countries; thus, we do not currently know if Mix50 is more effective than low mix in patients of other ethnicities or with different dietary habits.

Although Mix50 is not commonly used for the initiation of insulin therapy, there are some patients for whom it may be considered. As mentioned above, this includes patients with large PPG excursions (especially after lunch) and those with carbohydrate-rich diets. Even in the absence of a high-carbohydrate diet, patients with high PPG should be considered for Mix50. Decisions on whether Mix50 or low mix is more suitable are best guided by examining matched pre- and postprandial glucose concentrations, together with HbA1c levels. Patients with certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Asian or Pacific Islander, may also benefit from Mix50, either because of their diet or because of underlying physiological differences in the glycemic response to meals [48, 49].

The risk of hypoglycemia and the patient’s ability to manage hypoglycemic episodes is also an important consideration. For example, if nocturnal hypoglycemia is a potential issue, Mix50 at dinner may be a better choice than basal or low-mix insulins. Similarly, Mix50 could be used during Ramadan to reduce PPG after the evening meal, which often contains a large caloric load [50]. Mix50 may also be an appropriate choice for patients at high risk of micro- and macrovascular complications caused by high glycemic variability [51]. Other factors, such as age, physical and mental capabilities, patient preferences, and lifestyle, should be considered when deciding between basal insulin and premixed insulins [7, 8], but apply equally to Mix50 and low-mix options. Many of these factors are less relevant for initial insulin therapy, but become important when the patient eventually requires intensification. Thus, clinicians should assess how the patient will cope best with additional injections and plan accordingly when deciding on initial treatment.

Guidelines suggest initiating insulin (basal or premixed) at a dose of 10–12 units once daily before the largest meal (usually dinner) [1, 5, 6, 8]. The dose is then titrated once or twice weekly to achieve FBG levels of approximately 4–7 mmol/L without hypoglycemia. The same general approach can be used with Mix50, although titrating to a target PPG may also be considered. Another option is to split the dose across two injections, before breakfast and before dinner, which may suit patients who require more postprandial control after breakfast (e.g., those who eat a large carbohydrate-rich breakfast) or those at high risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. In most cases, patients can continue with OHAs, especially metformin; however, discontinuing sulfonylureas should be considered because of the increased risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin. In addition to the standard information provided when initiating insulin, particular care should be taken to ensure that patients starting on Mix50 (or any prandial insulin) understand the risks and management of hypoglycemia.

For patients requiring insulin intensification, the evidence suggests that Mix50 may provide better glycemic control compared with low-mix insulins, but not compared with basal–bolus regimens. Although two RCTs in this review concluded that Mix50, specifically BIAsp50, provided better glycemic control than low-mix insulins [15, 24], the other two RCTs reported no difference between the Lispro 50 and low mix [17, 25]. The reasons for these discrepancies are unclear, but may be related to differences in treatment regimen, treatment duration, or patient characteristics. However, as observed when used for initiation, Mix50 had a greater effect on PPG levels than low-mix insulins when used for intensification.

Compared with basal–bolus therapy, Mix50 is less efficacious at overall glycemic control, although again, there are inconsistencies between studies. However, there is evidence that Mix50 may have a greater effect on PPG levels than basal–bolus therapy, particularly the levels after breakfast and lunch [21, 27]. Issues of safety (i.e., hypoglycemia and weight gain) are generally similar between Mix50 and basal–bolus therapy.

Several additional factors should be considered when determining whether Mix50 is suitable for individual patients who require intensification of their current insulin regimen. If the patient is already on a premixed insulin, consider switching from low mix to Mix50 and/or adding doses as part of a BID or TID regimen, especially at the meal(s) with the highest PPG excursions. If FPG target levels are not reached, consider changing the pre-dinner injection to a low-mix insulin and using Mix50 before breakfast (and lunch, if required). However, this option should be weighed against any patient preference for a simpler regimen with a single insulin injection device. Similarly, if the patient is currently on basal therapy, a regimen using Mix50 (or low mix) may be easier for the patient than a basal–bolus regimen, which requires multiple injection devices and frequent glucose monitoring. In contrast, patients with inconsistent timing or content of meals may benefit from the flexible dosing possible with a basal–bolus regimen. As with initiation, paired pre- and postprandial glucose concentrations, as well as the level of carbohydrate consumption, can be used to help decide which premixed insulin is most appropriate for an individual patient.

When using premixed insulin for intensification, regardless of whether the initial dose is basal or premixed, standard practice is to divide the current total daily dose across two doses injected before breakfast and before dinner [1, 5, 6, 9]. Alternatively, Mix50 can be given before breakfast and a low mix before dinner to provide more overnight basal insulin. For patients currently on low mix, consider using Mix50 before any meal where PPG is > 10 mmol/L [9] or whichever meal routinely has the highest carbohydrate content. Dose titration follows the same general pattern as for patients on once-daily insulin [1, 5, 6, 8, 9]. However, the doses should be adjusted independently, depending on the glucose profile; adjust the pre-breakfast dose according to the pre-dinner glucose level and the pre-dinner dose according to the FBG level [6]. A third dose can be added before lunch if target HbA1c or PPG levels are not met. A general guideline for switching patients from low mix to Mix50 is shown in Fig. 4; however, as always, regimens and doses should be tailored to the individual patient.