Insulin decreased A23187-induced hyperpolarization of the erythrocyte membrane in healthy donors. These data indicate that insulin plays a role in the regulation of Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels in human erythrocytes. However, insulin had little effect on hyperpolarization response of cells induced by artificial ascorbate--phenazine methosulfate donor-acceptor system. Addition of insulin to cell suspension from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus did not modulate hyperpolarization of the erythrocyte membrane induced by A23187 or ascorbate-phenazine methosulfate, which reflects impairment of regulatory mechanisms for Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels in erythrocytes.