[Diabetic ketoacidosis: results with two different patterns of insulin administration (author's transl)].

The response to insulin treatment in 15 children with diabetic ketoacidosis is studied. Insulin continous infusion was administered to nine patients. The other six patients received insulin subcutaneously except one half of the first dose injected by vein as a bolus. Both patterns of insulin administration proved to be equally effective. Anyway the insulin continuous infusion appears as a simple and easier method for a good general control and to prevent hypoglycemic episodes. To prevent a hyperglycemic rebound it is suggested that a dose of subcutaneous insulin must be injected immediately after the insulin infusion is discontinued. A discordance between hyperglycemia correction and the degree of acidosis has been noticed in some patients; this can be corrected decreasing insulin infusion rate.