Treatment of Diabetic Coma with Continuous Low-dose Infusion of Insulin

Overview

Journal Br Med J

Specialty General Medicine

Date 1974 Jun 29

PMID 4855253

Citations 43

Authors

M M Page

K G Alberti

R Greenwood

K A Gumaa

T D Hockaday

C Lowy

J D Nabarro

D A Pyke

P H Sonksen

P J Watkins

T E West

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Thirty-eight patients in diabetic coma from four different centres were treated with a continuous low-dose intravenous infusion of insulin at an average dose of 7.2 IU/hr. All patients recovered rapidly except for one profoundly shocked patient who died. The mean fall in plasma glucose was 58% four hours after the start of insulin. Blood ketone bodies and plasma free fatty acids showed a similar response. There was no significant difference in plasma glucose response according to severity of acidosis or previous treatment with insulin. Hypokalaemia was uncommon. In the treatment of diabetic coma this technique has proved simple, safe, and effective.

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