Insulin absorption from the abdomen and the thigh in healthy subjects during rest and exercise: blood glucose, plasma insulin, growth hormone, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels.

Insulin was absorbed faster from the abdomen than from the thigh under resting conditions and during exercise. Exercise enhanced the rate of insulin absorption marginally. The fall of blood glucose during rest and exercise was not significantly different after insulin injection into either site. The faster absorption of insulin from the abdomen during rest and exercise was reflected in a sharper rise of serum growth hormone levels and urinary adrenaline excretion. Therefore exercise should not be taken immediately after injection of a large dose of soluble insulin, particularly into the abdomen.