Peri‐operative management of insulin‐dependent diabetic patients. Use of continuous intravenous infusion of insulin‐gluocose‐postassium solution

Summary The effect of a constant intravenous infusion of an insulin‐glucose‐potassium mixture was studied on 20 insulin‐dependent patients undergoing elective surgery. The infusion provided insulin 2 units, glucose 10 g and potassium 4 mmol every hour. It was concluded that the infusion was simple to use and could be administered safely for periods up to 4 hours. After that time the insulin dosage should be reassessed to maintain good control of the blood glucose levels.