Impaired subcutaneous resorption of insulin in diabetic patients with moderate reduction of blood filterability

Abstract

Resorption of subcutaneously administered insulin is known to be under dependence of various factors, including changes in local blood flow. This study was undertaken in order to determine whether hemorheologic disturbances may also modify it. Fourteen insulin-dependent diabetics (4 females and 10 males, age 24 to 70 yr) received subcutaneously 10 units of porcine monocomponent insulin (Actrapid MC, Novo) and blood increases in both total and free insulinemia were measured over 2 hours. Rheological parameters studied during the test were: Ca) blood filterability (according to Reid et al) and (b) washed erythrocyte filterability. In six patients who had lowered blood filterability, the increase in total insulinemia was significantly impaired. Therefore, among various other factors, blood rheology might play a role in insulin resorption kinetics, possibility by modulating blood flow in subcutaneous microvessels.