Diabetic ketosis in children treated by adding low-dose insulin to rehydrating fluid.

Four children with severe diabetic ketosis were successfully treated with a regimen of low-dose intermittent insulin infusions in the rehydrating fluid. The children all rapidly regained consciousness and tolerated oral fluids within 12 hours of admission. Hypoglycaemia and hypokalaemia, both complications of conventional large dose insulin treatment, did not occur. Plasma insulin levels obtained by this method were maintained in the optimum range recommended by Sönksen et al. (1972).