Abstract
Optimal metabolic control during the first twelve hours after myocardial infarction may be associated with improved survival in diabetic subjects. A comparison of an intravenous insulin infusion regimen aimed at improving blood glucose levels (n = 35), with ‘routine control’ (n = 34) in the post infarction period has been carried out in diabetic subjects admitted to four Coronary Care Units over a two year period. However, glycaemic control was similar in both groups (intravenous infusion regimen, mean ± SD capillary blood glucose 10.3 ± 2.1 mmolll, ‘routine control’ glucose 10.7 ± 3.6 mmol/l). There were no differences in the rates of arrhythmias (31% v 32%), heart failure (46% v 47%) or mortality (17% v 18%). Mortality in diabetic subjects was lower than that quoted in previous studies but was higher than in non-diabetic subjects admitted to the Coronary Care Unit during the same period. Attempts to improve glycaemic control by means of intravenous insulin infusion were unsuccessful.
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