Letter: Carrier solutions for low-level intravenous insulin infusion.

In the use of low-level intravenous insulin infusion for treating diabetic hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis adsorption of insulin to containers or plastic infusion apparatus results in significant losses of 60-80% of insulin in dilute physiological saline solution (40 U/l). It is therefore necessary to add protein to the carrier solution to minimize losses and maintain a constant delivery rate. Recovery studies showed that 3.5% w/v polygeline solution (polymer of degraded gelatin) was a suitable medium for this purpose, offering some advantages over human serum albumin. A minimum concentration of 0.5% polygeline was required to ensure adequate delivery of insulin to the patient.