Carrier solutions for low-level intravenous insulin infusion

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Intravenous insulin infusion is critical for managing diabetic hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis.
• Insulin adsorption to infusion materials causes substantial drug loss (60-80%) in dilute solutions.
• Maintaining consistent insulin delivery is essential for effective patient treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a suitable protein additive for carrier solutions to minimize insulin adsorption.
• To evaluate polygeline as an alternative to human serum albumin for insulin infusion.
• To determine the optimal concentration of polygeline for adequate insulin delivery.

Main Methods:

• Investigating insulin adsorption in dilute physiological saline (40 U/l).
• Conducting recovery studies using varying concentrations of polygeline solution (polymer of degraded gelatin).
• Comparing the efficacy of polygeline versus human serum albumin in preventing insulin loss.

Main Results:

• Polygeline solution effectively minimized insulin adsorption to infusion apparatus.
• A minimum concentration of 0.5% polygeline was found necessary for adequate insulin delivery.
• Polygeline offered advantages over human serum albumin as a carrier medium.

Conclusions:

• Polygeline is a suitable protein additive for intravenous insulin infusion solutions.
• Using polygeline ensures more consistent and reliable insulin delivery in critical care settings.
• Optimizing carrier solutions with polygeline enhances the management of diabetic hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis.