Blood glucose profiles in insulin-dependent Zambian diabetics

Six male stable insulin dependent diabetics were admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (U.T.H.) to define the insulin regiment that best controls their fasting and 2 hr postprandial blood glucose. Lente and Soluble insulin regiments were evaluated. For this study, blood glucose was estimated in six control subjects and in the six diabetic patients before breakfast lunch and supper and two hours after each of these meals. Each diabetic was allowed three days to stabilise on his usual insulin regimen and for the next three days blood glucose was estimated at the times indicated. Then for the next three days the patient was given the other insulin regimen and then for the last three days and while still on this second regimen blood glucose was estimated at the time indicated. Lente insulin was given as a twice daily dose before breakfast and supper while soluble insulin was administered either as a twice daily dose before breakfast and supper or as a thrice daily dose before breakfast, lunch and supper. The overall control of blood glucose before and two hrs meals was better with soluble insulin regiment than with the Lente insulin regimen.