Long-term continuous intraperitoneal insulin treatment in brittle diabetes. Issue 6361 (22nd January 1983)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pozza, G; Spotti, D; Micossi, P; Cristallo, M; Melandri, M; Piatti, P M; Monti, L D; Pontiroli, A E
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 286:Issue 6361(1983)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 1983-01-22
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.286.6361.255
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Attempts to achieve a fair metabolic equilibrium in a young woman with brittle diabetes by continuous subcutaneous, intramuscular, and continuous intravenous administration of insulin were unsuccessful. Continuous intraperitoneal administration of insulin through a permanently inserted polyethylene catheter connected to an open-loop peristaltic pump led to an appreciable improvement in mean blood glucose concentration, mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions, and M value and to normalisation of intermediate metabolic products. The peritoneal catheter was well tolerated for over 120 days without appreciable adverse effects. This case suggests that long-term intraperitoneal administration of insulin is a feasible therapeutic approach in the management of brittle diabetes.