Cardiac effects of insulin, glucose, and potassium

Glucose-insulin-potassium (G.I.P.) infusions have been recommended as a useful adjunct to the management of severe congestive heart failure. Ten patients with cardiac disease underwent a diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Pressures and cardiac output were obtained prior to and immediately after the 10 minute infusion of a mixture containing 50 grams of glucose, 10 mEq of potassium and 20 units of insulin. (Table: see text). G.I.P. infusions can increase the cardiac index. This is due to a combined effect of volume expansion and catecholamine stimulation.