Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

MDI - Multiple dose insulin injection

MDI delivers insulin via multiple daily injections to replace or supplement endogenous insulin production and regulate blood glucose levels.

MDI delivers insulin via multiple daily injections to replace or supplement endogenous insulin production and regulate blood glucose levels. Used for Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (when oral agents or other therapies are insufficient).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Multiple dose insulin injection therapy involves administering insulin subcutaneously multiple times per day (typically 3-4 injections) to mimic physiological insulin secretion patterns. This regimen combines basal insulin (long-acting) with bolus insulin (rapid-acting) at mealtimes to achieve glycemic control by facilitating glucose uptake into cells and suppressing hepatic glucose production.

Approved indications

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (when oral agents or other therapies are insufficient)

Common side effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Injection site reactions
• Lipodystrophy

Key clinical trials

• Hybrid Closed Loop Effectiveness Trial in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes (NA)
• InsuLearn Feasibility With Type 1 Diabetes Patients Under MDI Therapy (NA)
• Performance and Safety Evaluation of the EkiYou V2 Application in Patients With Diabetes Using Multiple Daily Insulin Injections (EkiYou-Study1) (NA)
• Transition From Basal/Bolus to Once-weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide and Basal Insulin in Patients With T2D (PHASE4)
• Omnipod® 5 With Libre 2 vs. MDI for Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adults (NA)
• A Novel mHealth Application Guided by an Optimization Algorithm for T1D Sensor-Augmented Insulin Injection Users (NA)
• InPen User Experience (NA)
• Automated Insulin Delivery Amongst Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes (NA)

Primary sources

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