According to a recent research led by Dr Rury Holman of Britain's Oxford Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, long-acting insulin is more effective in controlling blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes, as compared to any other treatment.

Noting that a once-daily dose of long-acting insulin is likely the best approach for patients shifting to insulin therapy, the researchers also said that the dose and the timing of insulin received can result in a substantial benefit to the diabetics.

The findings, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, were based on a trial of diabetes patients in UK and Ireland, besides the testing of all the insulin products.

Dr Holman and colleagues closely observed their 708 diabetic patients over a three year-period; and found that almost 68-82 percent of the patients required extra insulin to control their diabetes.

While some patients were administered long-acting Levemir insulin at bedtime, along with thrice-a-day NovoRapid insulin injections before meals; the others were given only daily pills like metformin and sulfonylurea.

The researchers found that the insulin treatment controlled insulin levels much better than the pills-alone treatment.

Commenting on the findings, Holman said that ultimately insulin may be "the only effective way" of controlling blood sugar levels. Holman also added that the vast majority of diabetics "will need insulin in the longer term."