Diurnal pattern of insulin requirements in insulin-dependent diabetics

Abstract

A total of 35 experiments in which insulin-dependent diabetics were connected to an artificial betacell (Biostator®) for feedback control of blood glucose during at least 24 h, were evaluated. Only 14 experiments, however, were available for analysis, since interruptions of more than 45 min/24 h in feedback control due to clots in analyser tubing occurred in those remaining. In these 14 experiments the 24-h insulin-infusion pattern was analysed. Basal insulin requirements (BIR), (between 01.00 and 04.00 hours) was found to be 0.178 ± 0.044 (SD) mU/kg × min. Insulin requirements increased in the early morning (04.00–07.00 hours) to 0.231 ± 0.084 mU/kg × min (P<0.01). A significant correlation between BIR and 24-h insulin requirement was found (r = 0.53, P<0.05). Insulin requirements per kJ following breakfast were higher than after lunch, 0.57 ± 0.20(xU/kg × min × kJ versus 0.41 ± 0.29(μU/kg × min × kJ(P<0.05).

Key-words:

• artificial betacell
• basal insulin requirements
• insulin-dependent diabetes