title: Changes in glucagon levels after four to five weeks of glucoregulation by portable insulin infusion pumps.
abstract: Near-normal glucoregulation was maintained in five patients with juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus for 4--5 wk with a preprogrammed, continuous, subcutaneous insulin infusion using a portable battery-powered infusion pump. This form of therapy significantly lowered immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) levels below those observed while on conventional insulin treatment at several times during the 24-h profile. The maximum IRG levels were also reduced in all five subjects. Thus, a flexible system of insulin delivery, as is provided by certain open-loop pump systems, can overcome inappropriate glucagon secretion that occurs with conventional insulin therapy.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005934:Glucagon / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon