Plasma insulin and glucose levels in diabetic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis using insulin only in the dialysate.

Abstract

Eight diabetics undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were followed for 18 months. The best control of hyperglycemia was achieved with insulin only in the dialysate. To study the plasma glucose levels and the absorption of insulin, blood was drawn every two hours from 8:00 am until midnight and the next morning at 8:00 am in 4 patients. Plasma glucose, total insulin, free insulin, and insulin antibody levels were measured. The hemoglobin A1C levels were obtained in all but patient 4. Although the total insulin levels were erratic, the free insulin levels appeared consistent throughout the 24-hour period.