Objective: To evaluate insulin absorption through the peritoneal membrane after long-term intraperitoneal insulin therapy using an implanted programmable device.
Research design and methods: Seven insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients implanted with a programmable pump were studied after 3 and 30 months of intraperitoneal insulin therapy. A 20-min square wave infusion of 15 IU of insulin was administered in the peritoneal space, and plasma glucose and plasma free insulin levels were monitored for 180 min. Hypoglycemia was prevented by intravenous glucose infusion.
Results: After 30 months of intraperitoneal insulin therapy, plasma free insulin profiles following the administration of insulin in the peritoneal space were similar to those observed at the beginning of this mode of therapy.
Conclusions: In IDDM patients, intraperitoneal insulin absorption does not change after long-term intraperitoneal insulin therapy using an implanted device.