U500 regular insulin use in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic veteran patients

Anne E. Ziesmer, Kevin C. Kelly, Patricia A. Guerra, Karen G. George, Fredrick L. Dunn

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of U500 regular insulin therapy in insulin-resistant patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were previously treated with high-dosage U100 insulin regimens.Methods: At a large Veterans Affairs medical center, a retrospective chart review was performed of all patients whose U100 insulin regimens were converted to U500 regular insulin regimens using a protocol to ensure patient safety. Patients were followed up for longer than 6 months. Data reviewed included total daily dosage of insulin before and after regimen conversion and changes in hemoglobin A 1c, body weight, lipids, and episodes of severe hypoglycemia.Results: Fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Average hemoglobin A 1c level on U100 insulin regimens was 9.1 ± 1.7%, which decreased to 8.1 ± 1.3% (P<.001) after an average of 20 months (range, 6-52 months) on U500 insulin. The total daily insulin dosage at study end was not significantly greater on U500 (415 ± 166 units/day) than on U100 insulin (391 ± 120 units/day) (P = .34). Body weight did not change significantly (134 ± 29 kg vs 136 ± 30 kg, P = .18). There was a 20-mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol (P = .014). Triglyceride values decreased by 97 mg/dL (P = .005). Eight episodes of severe hypoglycemia were documented in patients treated with U500 insulin, but this was similar to the incidence in these same patients while treated with U100 insulin.Conclusion: We conclude that U500 insulin can be safely and effectively used in insulin-resistant patients with type 2 diabetes followed up at a large Veterans Affairs medical center using a protocol that ensures patients are thoroughly educated and carefully monitored.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)34-38
Number of pages5
JournalEndocrine Practice
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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