Splitting Mealtime Insulin Doses for Mixed Fat and Protein Meals in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Using Multiple Daily Injection Regimen: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Aims. Assessment of the glycemic outcomes of increasing and splitting mealtime insulin doses for mixed fat and protein meals in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using multiple daily injection regimen and comparing the effects of regular insulin and fast-acting insulin on glycemic outcomes following those meals. Methods. This single-center, randomized, cross-over trial included 43 children and adolescents with T1DM randomly assigned to receive three interventional insulin doses for lunch meals over 3 consecutive days; Intervention A (100% insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR) dose given as premeal insulin lispro with an additional insulin sensitivity factor-calculated correction dose after 3 hr), Intervention B (130% ICR dose split into 60% premeal insulin lispro and 40% postmeal insulin lispro after 30 min), and Intervention C (130% ICR dose split into 60% premeal insulin lispro and 40% postmeal regular insulin after 30 min). The test meal consisted of two slices of pizza (weight: 150 g, carbohydrates: 40 g, fat: 15 g, protein: 20 g, and calories: 380 kcal). Postprandial blood glucose levels were monitored for 6 hr. Results. There were no significant differences in postprandial blood glucose excursions following the three interventions. However, Intervention C had a significantly lower late (3–6 hr) blood glucose area under the curve ( $p=0.01$ ). Postprandial hypoglycemia developed in 12 participants (27.9%) following Interventions A and B and in 17 participants (39.5%) following Intervention C ( $p=0.32$ ). Conclusions. Using regular insulin as a postmeal portion of increased and split insulin doses provided better late postprandial glycemic outcomes following mixed fat and protein meals. However, the amount of additional insulin used needs optimization to reduce the frequency of postprandial hypoglycemia. This trial is registered with NCT04783376.