Premeal insulin decreases arterial stiffness in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of omitting meal time insulin on arterial stiffness in children with type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods: In this prospective, randomized, crossover study, radial artery tonometry and augmentation index adjusted to heart rate 75 (AI₇₅ ) were used to measure arterial stiffness. Children were randomized to receive or omit premeal insulin and completed the crossover portion of the study on a subsequent day. AI₇₅ was determined when fasting, 1, and 2 h postmeal.

Results: When comparing change in AI₇₅ from baseline to 1 h and baseline to 2 h, when subjects received premeal insulin vs. no insulin, AI₇₅ was 4.5 units lower at 1 h (p = 0.011, 95% CI:1.1 lower to 8 lower) and 4.3 units lower at 2 h (p = 0.062, 95% CI: 0.2 higher to 8.9 lower) (n = 40).

Conclusions: Arterial stiffness is decreased by premeal insulin in children with type 1 diabetes.

Keywords: CVD risk; arterial stiffness; bolus insulin; meal insulin.