Low dose (0.05 units/kg/h) is comparable with standard dose (0.1 units/kg/h) intravenous insulin infusion for the initial treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes-an observational study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare low dose (0.05 units/kg/h) with standard dose (0.1 units/kg/h) intravenous insulin infusion for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with type 1 diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from five paediatric centres were compared in children who received 0.05 (41 episodes) or 0.1 units/kg/h (52 episodes).

RESULTS

In the low vs. standard dose group, at 6 h following admission, the fall in blood glucose levels [11.3 (95% confidence interval 8.6 to 13.9) vs. 11.8 (8.4 to 15.2) mmol/L, p = 0.86] and rise in pH [0.13 (0.09 to 0.18) vs. 0.11 (0.07 to 0.15), p = 0.78] were similar. These changes were comparable between doses in relation to: severity of initial acidosis, children newly diagnosed with diabetes or aged less than 5 years. After adjustment for other clinical and biochemical covariates, insulin dose was unrelated to the change in pH and blood glucose levels at 6 h following admission. Comparisons of safety data, particularly in relation to abnormal Glasgow Coma Score, were inconclusive.

CONCLUSION

In this observational study, low dose was as effective as standard dose intravenous insulin infusion in the initial treatment (less than 6 h) of DKA in children with type 1 diabetes. A randomised controlled trial is required to show true equivalence between doses and to evaluate potential safety benefits.