Abstract
A prospective randomized study comparing constant i.v. infusion of regular, low-dose insulin vs. conventional s.c. administration of neutral protein Hagedorn (NPH) insulin in insulin-requiring patients undergoing orthopedic procedures under general anesthesia was undertaken. The degree of diabetic control was better in those receiving constant 2 units/h of regular insulin than in those receiving 2/3 of daily maintenance doses of NPH insulin. In 2 of 8 patients receiving 2 units/h, decreased insulin infusion rates and increased dextrose infusion rates were required to avoid hypoglycemia. Preoperative NPH insulin and 1 unit/h insulin administration resulted in equivalent diabetic control.

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