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Pregestational diabetes with extreme insulin resistance: use of U-500 insulin in pregnancy

Zuckerwise LC, Werner EF, Pettker CM, McMahon-Brown EK, Thung SF, Han CS

Obstetrics and gynecology, 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Increased insulin requirements in pregnancy can hinder attainment of glycemic control in diabetic patients. U-500 insulin is a concentrated form of regular insulin that can be a valuable tool in the treatment of patients with severe insulin resistance.

CASE: A 24-year-old woman with pregestational diabetes mellitus experienced increasing insulin requirements during pregnancy, peaking at 650 units daily. The frequent, large-volume injections of standard-concentration insulin were poorly tolerated by the patient and resulted in nonadherence. She subsequently achieved glycemic control on thrice-daily U-500 insulin.

CONCLUSION: Pregnancy exacerbates insulin resistance in diabetic patients, and these patients may require high doses of insulin. U-500 insulin is an effective alternative for patients with severe insulin resistance and should be considered for pregnant women with difficulty achieving glycemic control.

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