Constant low-dose insulin infusion in severe diabetes mellitus.

Eight patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and two patients with hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma have been treated with a constant low-dose insulin infusion technique (2-4 units/hour). In all cases a rapid, smooth control of blood glucose levels was obtained in conjunction with a similar improvement in clinical status and remedying of other biochemical defects. At no stage of therapy did hypoglycaemia or hypokalaemia occur. In the majority of cases control of the patient's metabolic state was achieved within eight to 12 hours. The insulin regime is simple to institute and maintain.