Cost-effectiveness of insulin analogs from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Human insulin is provided by the Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) for the treatment of diabetes, however, legal proceedings to acquire insulin analogs have burdened the BPHS health system. The aim of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare insulin analogs and human insulins. This is a pharmacoeconomic study of cost-effectiveness. The direct medical cost related to insulin extracted from the Ministry of Health drug price list was considered. The clinical results, i.e. reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were extracted by meta-analysis. Different scenarios were structured to measure the uncertainties regarding the costs and reduction in HbA1c. Decision tree was developed for sensitivity of Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER). A total of fifteen scenarios were structured. Given the best-case scenario for the insulin analogs, the insulins aspart, lispro, glargine and detemir showed an ICER of R$ 1,768.59; R$ 3,308.54; R$ 11,718.75 and R$ 2,685.22, respectively. In all scenarios in which the minimum effectiveness was proposed, lispro, glargine and detemir were dominant strategies. Sensitivity analysis showed that the aspart had R$ 3,066.98 [95 % CI: 2339.22; 4418.53] and detemir had R$ 6,163.97 [95% CI: 3919.29; 11401.57] for incremental costs. We concluded there was evidence that the insulin aspart is the most cost-effective.

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous insulin analogue versus intravenous insulin infusion among patients with mild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>INTRODUCTION:</strong> Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a significant complication of diabetes in the world and is associated with high rates of hospital admissions. In mild, uncomplicated cases of DKA a subcutaneous regimen of newer rapid-acting insulin analogues has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative to intravenous regular insulin in prospective, randomized trials. Our primary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of intermittent subcutaneous (SC) rapid insulin administration with continuous intravenous (IV) regular insulin infusion in the treatment of mild to moderate DKA.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> A retrospective chart review of all adult Filipino patients admitted for mild to moderate DKA at UST Hospital private and clinical divisions from 2012 - 2015 was done. Chart cases were divided into two groups, namely:group one who received IV infusion of regular insulin and group two who received SC rapid insulin analog astreatment. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patients on admission were obtained. Efficacy and safety of both treatment regimens were compared as to the duration of time and amount of insulin administered from admission until resolution of DKA was achieved, occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, mortality and length of hospitalization.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Twenty-one chart cases were included, twelve in the continuous IV insulin infusion group and nine in the intermittent SC rapid insulin group. The baseline characteristics of patients were almost similar. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the duration of time and amount of insulin administered to achieve DKA resolution, occurrence of hypoglycemia, and death. Hypokalemia occurred more frequently and hospital stay was longer in the IV insulin group.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Intermittent subcutaneous rapid insulin regimen is an effective, safe, and potentially cost-effective alternative to continuous intravenous insulin infusion for treatment of mild to moderate cases of DKA.</p>

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous insulin analogue versus intravenous insulin infusion among patients with mild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a significant complication of diabetes in the world and is associated with high rates of hospital admissions. In mild, uncomplicated cases of DKA a subcutaneous regimen of newer rapid-acting insulin analogues has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative to intravenous regular insulin in prospective, randomized trials. Our primary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of intermittent subcutaneous (SC) rapid insulin administration with continuous intravenous (IV) regular insulin infusion in the treatment of mild to moderate DKA.METHODOLOGY: A retrospective chart review of all adult Filipino patients admitted for mild to moderate DKA at UST Hospital private and clinical divisions from 2012 - 2015 was done. Chart cases were divided into two groups, namely:group one who received IV infusion of regular insulin and group two who received SC rapid insulin analog astreatment. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patients on admission were obtained. Efficacy and safety of both treatment regimens were compared as to the duration of time and amount of insulin administered from admission until resolution of DKA was achieved, occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, mortality and length of hospitalization.RESULTS: Twenty-one chart cases were included, twelve in the continuous IV insulin infusion group and nine in the intermittent SC rapid insulin group. The baseline characteristics of patients were almost similar. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the duration of time and amount of insulin administered to achieve DKA resolution, occurrence of hypoglycemia, and death. Hypokalemia occurred more frequently and hospital stay was longer in the IV insulin group.CONCLUSION: Intermittent subcutaneous rapid insulin regimen is an effective, safe, and potentially cost-effective alternative to continuous intravenous insulin infusion for treatment of mild to moderate cases of DKA.

Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous insulin analogue versus intravenous insulin infusion among patients with mild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a significant complication of diabetes in the world and is associated with high rates of hospital admissions. In mild, uncomplicated cases of DKA a subcutaneous regimen of newer rapid-acting insulin analogues has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative to intravenous regular insulin in prospective, randomized trials. Our primary objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of intermittent subcutaneous (SC) rapid insulin administration with continuous intravenous (IV) regular insulin infusion in the treatment of mild to moderate DKA. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective chart review of all adult Filipino patients admitted for mild to moderate DKA at UST Hospital private and clinical divisions from 2012 - 2015 was done. Chart cases were divided into two groups, namely:group one who received IV infusion of regular insulin and group two who received SC rapid insulin analog astreatment. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patients on admission were obtained. Efficacy and safety of both treatment regimens were compared as to the duration of time and amount of insulin administered from admission until resolution of DKA was achieved, occurrence of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, mortality and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty-one chart cases were included, twelve in the continuous IV insulin infusion group and nine in the intermittent SC rapid insulin group. The baseline characteristics of patients were almost similar. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the duration of time and amount of insulin administered to achieve DKA resolution, occurrence of hypoglycemia, and death. Hypokalemia occurred more frequently and hospital stay was longer in the IV insulin group. CONCLUSION: Intermittent subcutaneous rapid insulin regimen is an effective, safe, and potentially cost-effective alternative to continuous intravenous insulin infusion for treatment of mild to moderate cases of DKA.

Features of Long-Standing Korean Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Study Based on Standardized Clinical Data

BACKGROUND: This is part of a prospective study carried out as a national project to secure standardized public resources for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Korea. We compared various characteristics of long-standing T2DM patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema (ME). METHODS: From September 2014 to July 2015, T2DM patients with disease duration of at least 15 years were recruited at a single university hospital. Clinical data and samples were collected according to the common data elements and standards of procedure developed by the Korean Diabetes Association Research Council. Each participant was assessed by ophthalmologists for DR and ME. RESULTS: Among 220 registered patients, 183 completed the ophthalmologic assessment. DR was associated with longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.071; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001 to 1.147 for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR]) (OR, 1.142; 95% CI, 1.051 to 1.242 for proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]) and the use of long-acting insulin (OR, 4.559; 95% CI, 1.672 to 12.427 for NPDR) (OR, 4.783; 95% CI, 1.581 to 14.474 for PDR), but a lower prevalence of a family history of cancer (OR, 0.310; 95% CI, 0.119 to 0.809 for NPDR) (OR, 0.206; 95% CI, 0.063 to 0.673 for PDR). ME was associated with higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.032 to 1.845) and the use of rapid-acting insulin (OR, 5.211; 95% CI, 1.445 to 18.794). CONCLUSION: Various clinical features were associated with DR and ME. Additional epidemiological and biorepository-based studies using this cohort are being conducted to deepen our understanding of diabetic complications in Korea.

Multiple daily injection of insulin regimen for a 10-month-old infant with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide, and the greatest increase has been observed in very young children under 4 years of age. A case of infantile diabetic ketoacidosis in a 10-month-old male infant was encountered by these authors. The infant's fasting glucose level was 490 mg/dL, his PH was 7.13, his pCO₂ was 15 mmHg, and his bicarbonate level was 5.0 mmol/L. The glycosylated hemoglobin level had increased to 9.4%. Ketonuria and glucosuria were detected in the urinalysis. The fasting C-peptide and insulin levels had decreased. The infant was positive for anti-insulin and antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Immediately after the infant's admission, fluid therapy and intravenous insulin infusion therapy were started. On the second day of the infant's hospitalization and after fluid therapy, he recovered from his lethargic condition, and his general condition improved. Feeding was started on the third day, and he was fed a formula 5 to 7 times a day and ate rice, vegetables, and lean meat. Due to the frequent feeding, the frequency of rapid-acting insulin injection was increased from 3 times before feeding to 5 times, adjusted according to the feeding frequency. The total dose of insulin that was injected was 0.8-1.1 IU/kg/day, and the infant was discharged on the 12th day of his hospitalization. The case is presented herein with a brief review of the relevant literature.

Multiple daily injection of insulin regimen for a 10-month-old infant with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide, and the greatest increase has been observed in very young children under 4 years of age. A case of infantile diabetic ketoacidosis in a 10-month-old male infant was encountered by these authors. The infant's fasting glucose level was 490 mg/dL, his PH was 7.13, his pCO₂ was 15 mmHg, and his bicarbonate level was 5.0 mmol/L. The glycosylated hemoglobin level had increased to 9.4%. Ketonuria and glucosuria were detected in the urinalysis. The fasting C-peptide and insulin levels had decreased. The infant was positive for anti-insulin and antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Immediately after the infant's admission, fluid therapy and intravenous insulin infusion therapy were started. On the second day of the infant's hospitalization and after fluid therapy, he recovered from his lethargic condition, and his general condition improved. Feeding was started on the third day, and he was fed a formula 5 to 7 times a day and ate rice, vegetables, and lean meat. Due to the frequent feeding, the frequency of rapid-acting insulin injection was increased from 3 times before feeding to 5 times, adjusted according to the feeding frequency. The total dose of insulin that was injected was 0.8-1.1 IU/kg/day, and the infant was discharged on the 12th day of his hospitalization. The case is presented herein with a brief review of the relevant literature.

Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con tendencia a la cetosis: Caso clínico / Ketosis prone type 2 diabetes (KPD)

Ketosis prone type 2 diabetes (KPD) is presently a well-defined clinical entity, characterized by a debut with severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis similar to the presenting form of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). However, it appears in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) phenotype. This situation is caused by an acute, reversible dysfunction of the beta cell in individuals with insulin resistance. Once the acute stage subsides, patients behave as having a DM2 and do not require insulin treatment. They should be kept on a diet and oral hypoglycemic drugs due to their susceptibility to have recurrent acute ketotic decompensations.

Safety and tolerability assessment of insulin glulisine as part of an insulin regimen in the management of Filipino diabetics

BACKGROUND: Insulin glulisine  is a  new  rapid-acting insulin  analogue.  Currently,  few  data   are   available on its safety and tolerability among patients in the Asia-Pacific   region.OBJECTIVES:Primary Objective: To assess the safety and tolerability of insulin glulisine as part of an insulin treatment   regimen   in   Filipinos   with   diabetesSecondary  Objectives:1.    To compare the change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBG) levels at baseline and after  three  and  six months on an insulin treatment regimen with insulin  glulisine2.    To measure patients' level of  satisfaction  in  using   the   Insulin   glulisine  penMETHODS: This was a multicenter, observational, post- marketing  surveillance  study   of   adult   patients   (18   to Results: Among 1,805 patients included, 132 (7.31%) experienced hypoglycemia. The overall incidence of adverse events other than hypoglycemia was 0.78%. There  was  a  significant  reduction  in   baseline  levels   of HbA1c,  FBG  and  PPBG  during  the  follow-up  visits  at third and sixth months (all pCONCLUSION: This post-marketing surveillance study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of  insulin  glulisine  when  used   as   part   of   an   insulin   regimen in an actual clinical setting for the management of diabetes among Filipino  patients.  Insulin  glulisine  as  part of  a   diabetes  treatment  regimen  was   effective  in improving glycemic  parameters.  The  glulisine  pen  was   also   well   tolerated   and   accepted   by patients.

Switching to multiple daily insulin injections in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: revisiting benefits from Oman

Optimal glycemic control is an important goal in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM]. Although the use of multiple daily injections [MDI] is a common regimen worldwide, its use is not yet universal in many countries. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of switching from a twice daily [BID] to a MDI insulin regimen in children and adolescents with T1DM in order to revisit its benefits in the Omani population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children and adolescents with T1DM at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2007 and June 2013. Patients using the BID regimen for more than six months who were then switched to MDI were included in the analysis. We compared glycated hemoglobin levels [HbA[1C]] before and after the regimen change. Fifty-three children were eligible for the study. Ten patients were excluded for various reasons. The remaining 43 patients were 58% male and 42% female, with a mean age of 9.4 +/- 3.7 years. There was significant decrease in the overall mean HbA[1C] level from baseline [10.0] compared to three months after switching to MDI [9.5]; p=0.023. Nevertheless, the improvement was not significant in the subsequent follow-up visits at six and nine months. The reduction in HbA1c values was observed mainly in children five to 11 years. Switching from a BID to MDI insulin regimen has favorable effects on the overall control of T1DM in children and adolescents, as assessed by HbA1c levels. In addition, this regimen has been proved to be safe and well tolerated by patients

Insulin analogues versus human insulin in type 1 diabetes: direct and indirect meta-analyses of efficacy and safety

All patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) receive insulin therapy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of human insulin and insulin analogues. We performed a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis according to the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. In the absence of clinical studies comparing insulins, we performed a mixed treatment comparison to establish the differences between the active treatments. We included studies published from 1995 to 2010. HbA1c results, episodes of hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia data were extracted and analyzed. Thirty-five randomized clinical trials were selected after examining the abstract and a full text review. These studies included 4,206 patients who received long-acting insulin analogues and 5,733 patients who received short-acting insulin analogues. Pooled data regarding efficacy indicated no significant differences in HbA1c values between glargine or detemir (once daily) and NPH insulin. However, a twice-daily dose of detemir produced differences in HbA1c values that favored detemir (-0.14% [95% CI: -0.21 to -0.08]; p<0.0001; I²=0%). Direct and indirect comparisons are consistent and show that there were no significant differences between human insulin and insulin analogues in efficacy or safety. Our results indicate that long- and short-acting insulin analogues offer few clinical advantages over conventional human insulin.

Todos os pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus (DM) tipo 1 recebem insulina. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se eficácia, segurança e tolerabilidade de insulinas humanas e análogas. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise, de acordo com o preconizado pela Colaboração Cochrane. Na ausência de estudos clínicos comparando insulinas entre si, realizaram-se meta-análises de comparações indiretas a fim de estabelecer diferenças entre tratamentos ativos. Incluíram-se estudos de 1995 a 2010. Resultados de HbA1c, episódios de hipoglicemia e hipoglicemia noturna foram extraídos e analisados. Após leitura de resumos e, posteriormente, de artigos na íntegra, selecionaram-se 35 ensaios clínicos randomizados, totalizando 4206 pacientes utilizando insulina análoga de longa duração e 5733 pacientes insulina análoga de curta duração. Os resultados não demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significativa para redução de HbA1c entre glargina e detemir (uma vez ao dia) comparados a NPH. No entanto, insulina detemir utilizada duas vezes ao dia reduz a HbA1c (-0.14% [95% CI: -0.21 to -0.08]; p<0.0001; I²=0%). Comparações diretas e indiretas indicam que não existem diferenças significativas na médica de redução de HbA1c, independente da posologia de detemir, sendo estes resultados de eficácia e segurança consistentes. Os resultados indicam que insulinas análogas de longa ou curta duração apresentam pequenas vantagens, quando comparadas às insulinas tradicionais. Ademais, não existem diferenças entre eficácia e segurança quando comparamos insulinas análogas entre si.

Insulin analogues in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy / Análogos de insulina no tratamento do diabetes gestacional

Pregnancy affects both maternal and fetal metabolism, and even in non-diabetic women, it exerts a diabetogenic effect. Among pregnant women, 2% to 14% develop gestational diabetes. Pregnancy can also occur in women with preexisting diabetes, which may predispose the fetus to many alterations in organogenesis, restrict growth, and the mother, to some diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, or to acceleration of the course of these complications, if they are already present. Women with gestational diabetes generally start their treatment with diet and lifestyle changes; when these changes are not enough for optimal glycemic control, insulin therapy must then be considered. Women with type 2 diabetes using oral hypoglycemic agents are advised to change to insulin therapy. Those with preexisting type 1 diabetes should start intensive glycemic control. As basal insulin analogues have frequently been used off-label in pregnant women, there is a need to evaluate their safety and efficacy. The aim of this review is to report the use of both short- and long-acting insulin analogues during pregnancy and to enable clinicians, obstetricians, and endocrinologists to choose the best insulin treatment for their patients.

A gravidez afeta tanto o metabolismo materno quanto o fetal e, mesmo em mulheres não diabéticas, apresenta um efeito diabetogênico. Entre as mulheres grávidas, 2% a 14% desenvolvem o diabetes gestacional. A gravidez pode ocorrer também em mulheres já diabéticas, o que pode predispor o feto a muitas alterações na organogênese, restrição de crescimento e a mãe a algumas complicações relacionadas ao diabetes, tais como retinopatia e nefropatia, ou acelerar o curso dessas complicações se já estiverem presentes. Pacientes com diabetes gestacional geralmente iniciam seu tratamento com dieta e mudanças no estilo de vida; porém, quando essas medidas falham em atingir um controle glicêmico adequado, a insulinoterapia deve ser considerada. Pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 em uso de hipoglicemiantes orais são aconselhadas a iniciar o uso de insulina. Pacientes com diabetes tipo 1 preexistente devem iniciar um controle glicêmico estrito. Em função do fato de os análogos basais de insulina estarem sendo utilizados muito frequentemente off-label em pacientes grávidas, faz-se necessário avaliar sua segurança e eficácia nessa condição. O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar o uso de tais análogos, tanto de ação curta como prolongada, durante a gravidez, para possibilitar médicos clínicos, obstetras e endocrinologistas escolher o melhor regime terapêutico para suas pacientes.

Glycemic Effects of Once-a-Day Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogue Addition on a Basal Insulin Analogue in Korean Subjects with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the efficacy in glycemic control by adding once-a-day glulisine to glargine as a basal plus regimen and factors influencing glycemic control with the basal plus regimen in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In the present retrospective study, subjects previously treated with the basal plus regimens for at least 6 months were reviewed. Changes in glycemic profiles and clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 87 subjects were ultimately enrolled in this study. At baseline, mean glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and glycated albumin were 8.5% (8.0% to 9.6%) and 25.2+/-7.6%, respectively. After treatment with the basal plus regimen, patients had significant reductions of A1c at 6 months (0.8+/-0.1%, P<0.001) and their postprandial glucose levels were decreased by 48.7+/-10.3 mg/dL (P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.55), high initial A1c (OR, 22.21; 95% CI, 2.44 to 201.78), and lower amounts of glargine (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.99), and glimepiride (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.93) at baseline were independently associated with good responders whose A1c reduction was more than 0.5%. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest a basal plus regimen may be effective in reducing glucose levels of subjects with old age, high initial A1c, and patients on low doses of glimepiride and glargine. Despite the use of high doses of hypoglycemic agents, elderly patients with poorly-controlled diabetes are preferred for early initiation of the basal plus regimen.

Medical Therapy in Pregnant Women with Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

Pregnant women with diabetes are at greater risk for adverse outcomes, such as miscarriage, macrosomia, and preterm birth. Advances in the care of diabetes have reduced maternal and perinatal mortality rates to the levels expected in nondiabetic pregnancies. Lifestyle modification such as medical nutritional therapy and exercise is a first step in therapy for gestational diabetes. Rapid-acting insulin analogs (lispro, aspart) are comparable in safety and superior in glucose control to regular human insulin. Because the safety of long-acting insulin analogs (glargine, detemir) in pregnancy has not firmly established, the use of human insulin is preferred over basal insulin. Among the oral hypoglycemic agents, metformin and glyburide might be considered as alternative therapies.

Insulin Treatment of Shock Induced by Acute Propafenone Toxicity Refractory to Sodium Bicarbonate Administration

Propafenone is a Class Ic antidysrhythmic agent, used in the management of atrial fibrillation. This is also a calcium channel and a weak beta blocker. The conventional therapy of hypotension induced by propafenone overdose includes fluid resuscitation followed by inotropic support. NaHCO3 is considered to be the treatment of choice. We report a case of successful insulin therapy for propafenone-induced hypotension unresponsive to NaHCO3. A 41-year-old woman with a prior medical history of atrial fibrillation presented to the ED after ingesting 4500 mg of propafenone, prescribed for her atrial fibrillation treatment. On initial examination, she was alert with O2 saturation of 96% and normal vital sign. Fifteen minutes later, her electrocardiogram revealed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and then changed to ventricular fibrillation. When CPR was stopped, her BP was 70/40 mmHg, HR was 68 beats/min with wide QRS complex. Normal saline and inotropics were administered rapidly to improve hypotension. And we injected NaHCO3. Her blood pH was kept between 7.45 and 7.55. But, BP was not improved. Refractory to the conventional therapy for sodium channel blocker toxicity, we decided to try insulin treatment, considering properties of propafenonen having beta and calcium channel blocking effect. We administered short-acting insulin. Her blood glucose level was kept euglycemia by continuous 5% dextrose infusions and tried to keep serum potassium normal range. Thirty minutes after adminstering insulin, her SBP was checked at 100 mmHg. She was discharged 8 days post-ingestion without further complications. Insulin must be considered in severe hypotension induced by propafenone overdose unresponsive to other conventional therapy.

Determining the Factors that Influence the Insulin Requirements in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND: The initial insulin dose is often determined by clinical experience or with a formula using the body weight. However, it may be difficult to determine the initial insulin dose because various factors such as insulin sensitivity and the glycemic status can influence the insulin requirement. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that influence the initial insulin requirement in insulin naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total 128 patients who were admitted for glycemic control were investigated. The patients were managed with long-acting insulin glargine and rapid-acting insulin lispro. RESULTS: The basal insulin requirement was positively correlated with waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), the HbA1C, AST, ALT, fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but it was negatively correlated with age and the stimulated C-peptide level. The daily insulin requirement was positively correlated with waist circumference, BMI, the HbA1C, AST, ALT, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose level and HOMA-IR, but it was negatively correlated with age. On the multiple linear regression analysis, the basal insulin requirement was independently associated with BMI (beta = 0.507, p < 0.001), the 2-hour postprandial glucose level (beta = 0.307, p < 0.001), the ALT level (beta = 0.214, P = 0.015) and the meal-stimulated C-peptide level (beta = -0.209, P = 0.010). The daily insulin requirement was independently associated with BMI (beta = 0.508, p < 0.001) and the 2-hour postprandial glucose level (beta = 0.404, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the BMI and 2-hour postprandial glucose level are useful predictors of the initial insulin requirement in insulin naive type 2 diabetic patients. It may be prudent to consider the other various factors that influence the insulin requirement together when insulin therapy is required.

Tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 1. Estrategias para el uso de insulina / Treatment of type 1 diabetes. Strategies for the use of insulin

En este trabajo se analizan los enfoques terapéuticos en los pacientes con diabetes tipo 1. Se hace hincapié en la utilización de los nuevos análogos de la insulina de acción corta y de acción prolongada, en comparación con los compuestos tradicionales, y el control glucémico total.

Serial Changes of Blood Glucose Levels in IDDM Patients Using Intermediate-acting Insulin only Therapy

PURPOSE: We investigated the clinical characteristics of IDDM patients, treated with NPH only, and evaluated current problems by measurement of serial blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide for 12 hours after administration of intermediate-acting insulin. METHODS: We studied 19 IDDM patients who had been diagnosed and followed up on a regular basis at Severance hospital. They were assigned into 2 groups, one(HbA1c high group) with HbA1c above 12%, the other(HbA1c low group) showing HbA1c below 12%. Their Heights, DM durations, HbA1c, basal C-peptides were primarily measured. Using continuous withdrawal pump, samples were taken every hour for 12 hours from 7:00 am. And serial blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide were assayed. RESULTS: 1) The mean HbA1c of the high group was 16.5+/-3.5% and that of the low group was 11.0+/-0.6%. There were no differences in clinical characteristics. 2) In HbA1c high group, fasting blood glucose, and mean blood glucose levels for 3hours were 156+/-85mg%, 284+/-125mg%(8,9,10am), 250+/-133mg% 11,12am,1pm), 252+/-122mg%(2,3,4pm), and 182+/-105 mg%(5,6,7pm), respectively. In low group, fasting blood glucose, and mean blood glucose levels for 3hours were 130+/-71mg%, 275+/-109 mg%(8,9,10am), 249+/-129mg%(11,12am,1pm), 231+/-81mg%(2,3,4pm), 158+/-62mg%(5,6,7pm), respectively. 3) Fasting blood insulin level was 51+/-47 U/l in high group, 62+/-62 U/l in low group. Thereafter low HbA1c group showed higher insulin levels than high HbA1c group. 4) Fasting blood C-peptide was 0.16+/-0.20 g/l in the high group, and 0.34+/-0.14 g/l in low group. Thereafter low group developed higher C-peptide responses than high group. The curve of C-peptide showed similar change of blood glucose, and maximal response followed 1-2 hours after maximal level of blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that short-acting insulin should be included for good control of blood glucose. Although fasting & dinner blood sugar seemed to be under fair control, intermediate-acting insulin used alone was not effective in preventing severe blood sugar elevation after morning meal.