The peritoneal absorption of insulin in diabetic man: a potential site for a mechanical insulin delivery system.

The potential of the peritoneum as a site for an "artificial beta cell" was studied. Three 14-hr studies were performed in an insulin-dependent diabetic male maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis. All studies were performed between dialyses and throughout three standard American Diabetes Association (ADA) 600 calorie meals. The degree of insulin absorption from the peritoneal space was assessed by measuring the changes in plasma-free insulin concentration during these studies. The results of this study demonstrate that normalization of plasma insulin profiles may be observed with the administration of insulin into the peritoneal space. This absorbed insulin exerts hypoglycemic activity that suppresses the meal-induced rise in plasma glucose concentration. Thus, the peritoneal space may be a feasible route into which insulin may be delivered by an artificial beta cell.