IntraperitonealInsulin: A Protocol for Administration during CAPD and Review of Published Protocols

Abstract

For many diabetics in end-stage renal failure, the initial therapy they receive will be continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) together with i.p. insulin. To date, all published protocols rely on empirical dosages based upon predialysis insulin requirements. A practical regimen for the institution of i.p. insulin administration during CAPD is described. The only endpoints used to determine insulin dosage were fasting plasma glucose 5 to 10 mmol/L and 2 h postprandial plasma glucose 8 to 15 mmol/L. An initial protocol related to body weight, dextrose content, volume, and timing of dialysate was based on a retrospective analysis of the results in our first 10 patients. Subsequently, a prospective assessment in an additional 22 patients confirmed the effectiveness of the regimen. The following protocol is recommended for the institution of i.p. insulin therapy in patients undergoing CAPD: Preprandial exchanges 1.36% dextrose-0.175 U/L dialysate/kg body weight 3.86% dextrose-0.25 U/L/kg Overnight exchanges 1.36% dextrose-0.1 U/L/kg 3.86% dextrose-0.15 U/L/kg Further adjustment of insulin dosage is then made on the basis of four hourly plasma glucose profiles. Self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose is recommended.