Use of the site of subcutaneous insulin administration for the measurement of glucose in patients with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To simplify and improve the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes, we ascertained whether the site of subcutaneous insulin infusion can be used for the measurement of glucose. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Three special indwelling catheters (24-gauge microperfusion [MP] catheters) were inserted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue of subjects with type 1 diabetes (n = 10; all C-peptide negative). One MP catheter was perfused with short-acting insulin (100 units/ml, Aspart) and used for insulin delivery and simultaneous glucose sampling during an overnight fast and after ingestion of a standard glucose load (75 g).