Subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome. Effects of long-term aprotinin therapy.

The case of a young Type 1 diabetic patient with subcutaneous insulin resistance, causing recurrent ketoacidosis, is reported. Intramuscular and intravenous insulin administration remained effective. After failure of CSII, continuous intramuscular insulin infusion was used during 10 months followed by a combination of insulin and a protease inhibitor aprotinin, with good results. After 18 months' aprotinin therapy, subcutaneous insulin resistance disappeared. The subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome and the role of aprotinin are discussed.