Elimination of requirement for exogenous insulin therapy in diabetic renal failure.

Abstract

Four insulin-dependent diabetics became insulin-independent sometime after beginning maintenance dialysis for renal failure. Spontaneous hypoglycemia occurred after insulin was discontinued in two individuals treated with peritoneal dialysis. Although weight loss was significant in each, three of the four maintained ideal body weight. By diminishing the insulin resistance of uremia, dialysis may play an active role in promoting the metabolic effect of endogenous insulin even in diabetics with multiple complications of hyperglycemia.