EFFECTIVENESS OF POSTPRANDIAL HUMALOG IN TODDLERS WITH DIABETES

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether postpran dial administration of the new rapid-acting insulin analog Humalog sho uld effectively reduce glucose excursions in children less-than-5 year s old. Design. Human regular insulin given before a meal was compared with the same dose of Humalog after a meal of equal carbohydrate conte nt in five toddlers with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus. In addition, the use of Humalog before a meal was compared with Humal og given after a meal of equal carbohydrate content in five other todd lers. The does of long-acting insulin was not changed during the study period. Blood glucose levels were determined at fasting and at 1, 2, and 4 hours postprandially. Results. The 2-hour glucose excursions wer e significantly lower when postprandial Humalog administration was com pared with preprandial Human Regular insulin administration. In contra st, glucose excursions were similar when Humalog was taken before or a fter the meal. Conclusion. These data show that it is efficacious to g ive Humalog insulin postprandially in toddlers with type 1 diabetes, a llowing increased safety for the young child. The insulin dose can be both matched to the actual food intake and timed to give families incr eased flexibility and control at mealtime.