Low-Dose Insulin: A Plea for Caution

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three recent reports1 2 3 promulgating continuous intravenous infusions of low-dose insulin (1.2 to 12.0 U per hour, with or without an initial priming dose of 0.5 to 12 U) as a safe, simple and effective method of treating diabetic ketoacidosis, coupled with favorable editorial reviews,4 , 5 have resulted in premature acceptance and widespread use of this new regimen.Before these reports many centers had abandoned subcutaneous and intramuscular insulin in the early treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.6 7 8 9 10 11 The variable rate of absorption from these sites in a disorder uniformly characterized by extracellular-fluid depletion and even overt shock increases the possibility that large depots . . .