Effect of bed time intermediate acting insulin in NIDDM subjects refractory to a combination of sulphonylureas and biguanides.

The effect of a single dose of intermediate acting (Lente) insulin given subcutaneously at 9.00 P.M. in 22 NIDDM subjects refractory to a combination of Sulphonylureas and Biguanides was analysed. Euglycemia was achieved and maintained during the study period of three months with a mean insulin requirement of 14.22 +/- 5.98 units/day. Plasma FFA, Total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL-cholesterol also showed significant reduction. The level of FFA modulates hepatic glucose production, which in turn correlates positively with the fasting blood glucose. The therapeutic modality of bed time Lente Insulin based on physiological principles is an effective way of achieving glycemic control in NIDDM subjects who have become non-responsive to oral hypoglycemic agents.