Secondary failure of oral antidiabetic and dietetic therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Remission through short sessions of continuous intravenous insulin infusion.

ABSTRACT

The infusion of periodic intravenous insulin for the equilibrium of the diabetic state is proposed for cases of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) that have become resistant to oral treatment. In order to re-establish the efficacy of oral antidiabetic treatment, 37 patients with NIDDM presenting secondary failure to diet and oral antidiabetic therapy were subjected to sessions of continuous intravenous insulin infusion, resulting in transitory normal blood sugars. With a diminution of symptoms, an increase in the efficacy of oral treatment was noted in 18 cases (48.6%), allowing the continuation of treatment without disturbance of the equilibrium over periods of 6 and 12 months. This improvement is not concurrent with the rise in glucagon-stimulated insulin secretion as evidenced by C-peptiduria and basal C-peptidemia. An improvement in insulin sensitivity (not investigated in this study) might explain this beneficial effect. Periodic intravenous infusions of insulin, based on the diabetic equilibrium, are proposed for the treatment of NIDDM patients that have become resistant to oral therapy.