Complementary insulin therapy improves blood glucose and serum lipid parameters in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. I. Effects on blood glucose control.

Aim of the present prospective study was to assess the potential benefits of complementary insulin therapy, consisting of a single dose of 1 to 8 units of shortacting insulin before each meal, on blood glucose, serum lipid parameters and on patient's well-being. A group of 251 type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients completed the study. The complementary insulin therapy was introduced in hospital in the course of one week. Number of injections per day was increased, the average dose of insulin per day and the average dose of glibenclamide decreased, amount of carbohydrates in food (adapted by patients themselves) diminished, mean blood glucose, number of hyperglycaemia's and number of hypoglycaemia's decreased. At a check-up 8 to 10 weeks later, a decrease of haemoglobin A1c, glycated proteins in serum and body mass index together with improved patient's well-being have been shown. These results demonstrate a good effectiveness of complementary insulin therapy in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. We assume this kind of therapy should be more often recommended.