Abstract
Eleven newly-onset type I diabetics (aged from 13 to 34 yers, 5 males and 6 females) were treated with an artificial endocrine pancreas (Biostator®) for 24 to 48 hours. Based on the data obtained, an intensive insulin therapy composed of a combination of short-acting and intermediateacting insulins with selfmeasurement of blood glucose was introduced to each patient in order to attempt meticulous glycemic control.
Remissions (insulin dose less than 10 units a day) were obtained in 4 cases, of which 2 cases are still in remission after 53 and 11 months respectively. Partial remissions (insulin dose ranging from 11 to 20 units a day) were obtained in 3 cases, of which one case is still in the same condition after 47 months. Four cases did not achieve remission.
The intervals from the onset of diabetes to the application of the artificial endocrine pancreas were within 2 weeks in 3 out of 4 cases with remission, one month in 2 out of 3 cases with partial remission, and more than 2 months in all 4 cases without remission.
Thus, strict glycemic control with an artificial endocrine pancreas and subsequert intensive insulin therapy in the early stages after onset were shown to be effective for obtaining frequent and sustained remissions in newly-onset type I diabetes.
