Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Insulin requirements in 242 patients with type II diabetes mellitus
J B Hawkins1, C M Morales, J C Shipp
1University Diabetes Center, Valley Medical Center of Fresno, CA 93702, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the subcutaneous insulin requirements for rapid, effective regulation of blood glucose in patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus by using an intravenous insulin infusion protocol. The insulin infusion achieved a mean (+/-SD) overnight blood glucose concentration of 101 +/- 15 mg/dL and 24-hour glucose concentration of 118 +/- 18 mg/dL. The intravenous insulin requirement of 81 +/- 32 U/day correlated well (P<0.001) with the subsequent subcutaneous insulin requirement of 84 +/- 43 U/day necessary to maintain preprandial glucose values of 112 +/- 15 mg/dL. Insulin requirements ranged from 0.2 to 2.0 U/kg per day (95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 1.6). Weaker correlations were noted between total insulin requirements and weight (r = 0.60) or body mass index (r = 0.57); no correlations were observed with age, duration of diabetes, or antecedent glycemic control as reflected by glycosylated hemoglobin values. These findings may be useful for initiating insulin treatment on an ambulatory basis.
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

