Experience with low-dose insulin infusion in diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic hyperosmolarity.

Forty patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and eight patients with the diabetic hyperosmolar state were treated with low-dose insulin infusion in four teaching hospitals in the Cleveland area. The clinical and biochemical responses observed support previous favorable reports on this treatment modality. Two elderly patients with the hyperosmolar syndrome died. The advantages of this form of treatment over intermittent insulin schedules are emphasized. Early potassium administration, unless otherwise contraindicated, is recommended. Rarely, increasing doses of insulin may be required if insulin resistance is encountered.