The effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on serum lipids

The effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on serum lipids was examined in 2 groups of insulin dependent diabetic patients. Twelve paired patients selected by a random procedure to be treated with CSII or conventional insulin injections had lipids measured monthly for 6 months. A more heterogenous group of 13 CSII treated patients including the 6 randomised patients had lipids measured initially and after their maximum duration of CSII (range 3 to 18 months). Significant falls were seen in HbAI, plasma glucose and triglycerides in CSII treated patients whether the 6 randomised or the group of 13 were examined. High density, lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) rose significantly in both groups. In the larger group of 13, a drop in the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to HDL-C ratio and LDL-C was also seen. Control patients showed no significant changes. These findings confirm but are slightly different from improvements in lipids found in other studies of long-term CSII. In addition it was demonstrated that these changes could be maintained in patients managed outside the strict rigors of a controlled study.