[Insulin injection therapy of diabetes mellitus]

In general, insulin treatment of type I diabetes mellitus is difficult. Good long-term metabolic control can be achieved only in patients who have been well informed and trained in the use of intensive insulin regimens by experts. Today, insulin distribution is differentiated into basal and meal-adapted requirements, with the circadian rhythm of insulin needs receiving special consideration. In type II diabetics, the use of insulin is indicated only when all other therapeutic measures (diet, physical activity, oral antidiabetic drugs, lipid-lowering agents and substances delaying glucose resorption) have failed. The combined administration of sulfonylurea and insulin has a number of interesting aspects.