Intranasal administration of 40 and 80 units of insulin does not cause hypoglycemia during cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Intranasal insulin administration may improve cognitive function in patients with dementia and prevent problems after surgery. Although the metabolic effects of intranasal non-surgical have been studied, its influence on glucose concentration during surgery is unknown. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-contolled trial scheduled for elective cardiac Patients type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) non-T2DM were randomly allocated to one three groups (normal saline, 40 international units [IU] insulin, 80 IU insulin). Insulin was given induction general anesthesia. Glucose plasma concentrations measured ten-minute intervals first hour every 30 min thereafter. The primary outcome change administration. A total 115 43 whom had T2DM. In patients, did not affect concentration, while led statistically significant but clinically important decrease blood levels (mean difference, 0.4 mMol·L−1; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 0.7). T2DM neither nor affected concentration. No hypoglycemia (< 4.0 mMol·L−1) observed any patients. changes similar groups. there an increase ten minutes compared saline. without undergoing surgery, at doses as high cause hypoglycemia. www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02729064); registered 5 April 2016.