Insulin loss at the injection site in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
A simple filter paper technique is described for demonstrating and measuring insulin loss at the injection site in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Using this technique in a cohort of 19 children during a 7-day period, measurable fluid was demonstrated at the injection site in 68% of children at least once and was present following 23% of all injections. In nearly 80% of cases the insulin loss probably represented less than 1 unit but could on occasions be 2 units or more or up to 18% of the injected dose. Insulin losses were observed following injections given by children themselves and by parents. There was no significant relationship between insulin dose and insulin loss. Insulin losses at the injection site are frequent and, although usually small in amount, are a potential source of blood glucose variability.
Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
N L
NL
Stewart
B A
BA
Darlow
D000293:Adolescent; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D002138:Calibration; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000379:methods; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin