Low-dose versus high-dose insulin therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis.

The effects of low-dose continuous insulin therapy were compared to those of high-dose subcutaneous and intravenous insulin therapy in six episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Time for correction of acidosis, ketosis, and hyperglycemia were similar for both regimens. The high-dose method required more exogenous glucose and supplemental potassium to avoid hypoglycemia and/or hypokalemia during treatment. Levels of cortisol, human growth hormone, and glucagon, initially elevated in most patients, showed a progressive decline with both modes of therapy. Plasma insulin remained remarkably stable during both treatment regimens, but remained within the physiologic range only in patients receiving low-dose therapy. Our study suggest that either modality is effective in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.