Effect of glycaemic control on glomerular filtration rate in the streptozotocin diabetic rat.

1. Diabetes was induced in 32 adult Wistar-Kyoto rats with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Fourteen rats remained untreated, 10 received insulin three times per week, and eight received insulin daily. Fourteen non-diabetic rats served as controls. 2. Exchangeable sodium and plasma volume were elevated in the untreated diabetic rats. Treatment normalized these parameters. 3. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was elevated in the untreated diabetic group and the group receiving insulin three times per week compared with the control group. Daily insulin treatment restored GFR towards control values. 4. Plasma atrial natriuretic factor was similar in untreated diabetic rats and non-diabetic rats.