Research Article
Intravenous insulin infusion in diabetic emergencies.
Br Med J 1978; 2 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.6148.1343 (Published 11 November 1978) Cite this as: Br Med J 1978;2:1343- R D Leslie,
- J D Mackay
Abstract
Continuous intravenous insulin and dextrose infusions were used in managing various diabetic emergencies. Standard and constant rates of insulin and dextrose infusion resulted in satisfactory control of blood glucose concentrations during labour, after major surgery, and in patients recovering from ketoacidosis (average insulin infusion rates 1, 2, and 3 U/h respectively). Higher infusion rates were used to correct or prevent ketoacidosis in pregnant diabetic women who had received steroids and sympathomimetic agents. The infusion method is simple, reliable, and flexible, and may help to simplify management of diverse types of diabetic emergencies.