Abstract: In diabetes, insulin remains the most effective of controlling blood glucose levels. Since 1946, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) has been used as the predominant basal insulin .Absorption may be variable for re-suspension need and time action profile (peak activity 4-6 h after sub cutaneous administration) confers an increased propensity for between meal and nocturnal hypo glycaemia. In 1980s, recombinant DNA technology modified the insulin molecule resulting in the soluble long acting insulin analogues, glargine and detemir . Detemir and glargine are indicated for administration once daily. Long subcutaneous multi hexamers are formed by the latest prolonged acting insulin and delay absorption is Degludec .Glargine V300 and LY2605541 are new developmental agents. LY2605541 is combined with polyethylene glycol and increase hydrodynamic size with absorption from subcutaneous tissue. From glargine a new formulation glargine U300 is produced which has time action profile. Including a critical appraisal of the degludec trials this article reviews recent advances in basal insulin analogues.