Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Patient mixed biphasic insulin in a diabetic clinic
R D Lanerolle1, K de Abrew, D J Fernando
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
Introduction:
Improved glycaemic control is possible with the use of multiple injections of premixed insulin. These are expensive, and not available in state hospitals.
Objectives:
To study the cost, patient acceptance and efficacy of a patient mixed and administered combination of soluble and lente (biphasic) insulin administered twice a day.
Patients:
A cohort of 25 patients with poor glycaemic control on a single dose of 100 units or more of lente insulin. 25 patients matched for age and glycaemic control were used as a control.
Setting:
The diabetic clinic of the National Hospital Sri Lanka.
Method:
A prospective study of a cohort of patients.
Results:
Mean fasting blood glucose decreased from 8.3 mmol/l (SD 3.1) to 6.9 mmol/l (SD 2.3, p < 0.01) and mean blood glucose levels declined from 12.3 mmol/l (SD 4.1) to 10.1 mmol/l (SD 4.7, p < 0.01) in the biphasic group. Total mean insulin dose fell from 80 units (SD 12) to 61 units (SD 11) in the biphasic group, but increased in the control group from 82 units (SD 16) to 91 units (SD 13.1). The diabetes well-being score in the biphasic group was 91.5 (SD 35.3), while the control group had a score of 63.7 (SD 21.3 p < 0.01). Mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c %) was 8.1 (SD 2.7) in the biphasic group compared to 9.2 (SD 3.3) in the control group.
Conclusion:
Patient mixed and administered biphasic insulin on a twice daily basis is feasible, acceptable to patients, results in better glycaemic control and affords better patient satisfaction.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
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...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides

