Evaluation of serum ischemia-modified albumin levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective. To investigate serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and the effect of treatment with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on the biomarker. Methods. The gestational diabetes mellitus women in the second trimester were evaluated before and after the two kinds of treatments with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and medical nutrition therapy for 6 weeks. Maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at the 6th week. Results.Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels and metabolic parameters were higher in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus at baseline than in controls. Ischemia-modified albumin levels were correlated with plasma glucose (p < 0.05). Variables of glycemic control and ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly reduced at the 6th week. The effect of insulin treatment was generally better than diet therapy. Linear regression analysis showed that fasting plasma glucose was an independent determinant for IMA levels (β = 0.611, p = 0.035).Fetal outcome was similar except for macrosomia and Apgar score at 5 min. Conclusion.Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were higher in gestational diabetes mellitus compared to normal pregnancy. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion consistently improved metabolic disorder control. Gestational diabetes mellitus women were associated to a higher risk of oxidative stress and pregnancy complications.     

Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy during early pregnancy

Intensive metabolic control of diabetes is probably important during formation of the embryo early in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and complications of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy during the fifth to the tenth week of gestation. Twenty-four insulin-dependent subjects were trained to use blood glucose self-monitoring and the Auto Syringe portable insulin infusion pump (AS6C). Regular insulin was administered as a basal infusion of 18 +/- 8 U/24 hours (+/- SD) (12.2 +/- 3.9 mU . kg-1 . h-1) and as bolus injections of 6 +/- 3 U before meals and 1.2 +/- 1 U before snacks. Reasonable control of fasting (119 +/- 30 mg/dL) and postprandial (133 +/- 34 mg/dL) hyperglycemia was achieved, accompanied by an average of 2.2 +/- 1.5 symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes per week. The frequency of complications with this new therapy declined as the authors gained experience in teaching the system. The persistence of good diabetic control in many of the subjects after they returned to conventional insulin therapy points to the need for a controlled trial of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy versus intensive conventional therapy in pregnancy.     

Preconceptional diabetes control in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy

Preconceptional diabetes management is an important prerequisite for pregnancy planning and its value has been well-documented. Glucose control and the outcome of pregnancy, managed in the preconceptional period, with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy to those receiving insulin injections are compared. Fifty-two juvenile onset insulin dependent diabetic women contemplating pregnancy were regularly consulted by a diabetology team starting at least two months before conception. Glucose control was achieved by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps (CSIIP) in 18 patients, and 34 women received intensive insulin therapy (IIT). In both groups, normal glucose levels and normal HbA1 were achieved at conception, maintained during the period of organogenesis and throughout pregnancy. In view of the fact that perinatal results, such as the occurrence of malformations, mean gestational age, mean birth weight and neonatal complications were not significantly different in both groups, we believe that both methods are equally effective. Consequently, the less costly and yet effective IIT may be the method of choice, while the more expensive pump should be used mainly in selected cases.     

Pregnancy prolongation in triplet pregnancies. Oral vs. continuous subcutaneous terbutaline.

OBJECTIVE: To assess gestational gain in triplet pregnancies treated with oral terbutaline followed by treatment with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline. STUDY DESIGN: From a database of patients who received perinatal home care services, we identified women with triplet gestations first receiving daily oral terbutaline following an episode of threatened preterm labor who subsequently received continuous subcutaneous terbutaline infusion after recurrence of preterm contractions. The primary outcome studied was gestational gain with oral terbutaline vs. gestational gain with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline infusion. RESULTS: One hundred four women were studied. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 22.0 +/- 2.7 weeks. Significantly more gestational gain was achieved during subcutaneous tocolytic treatment than during oral treatment (mean 5.4 +/- 3.4 vs. 2.8 +/- 2.2 weeks, P < .001). Twenty-nine percent of desired prolongation was achieved with oral terbutaline, while 71% of desired prolongation was achieved with subcutaneous terbutaline infusion (P < .001). The mean gestational age at delivery was 33.2 +/- 2.2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Gestational gain was greater in triplet pregnancies during treatment with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline infusion than with oral terbutaline.     

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs intensive conventional insulin therapy in pregnant diabetic women: a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized, controlled trials

The objective of the study was to study the effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) vs multiple-dose insulin (MDI) therapy on glycemic control and pregnancy outcome in diabetic women. Randomized, controlled trials comparing CSII vs MDI in pregnant diabetic women were included after an electronic database search. Studies were rated for quality independently by 2 reviewers in accordance with the Quality of Reporting of Metaanalyses statement. Summary weighted mean difference and odds ratio were estimated for insulin dose, birthweight, gestational age, mode of delivery, hypoglycemic/ketotic episodes, worsening retinopathy, neonatal hypoglycemia, and rates of intrauterine fetal death. Six randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Pregnancy outcomes and glycemic control were not significantly different among treatment groups. Higher number of ketoacidotic episodes and diabetic retinopathy found in the CSII group did not reach statistical significance. This systematic review does not show any advantage or disadvantage of using CSII over MDI in pregnant diabetic women. Large multicenter, randomized, controlled trials addressing the quality of life/cost effectiveness are required.     

Insulin resistance in clomiphene responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease and therapeutic effects of metformin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical features, endocrine and metabolic profiles in clomiphene (CC) responders and non-responders with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and to examine the effects of metformin (MTF) on the above parameters of CC resistance. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was undertaken at the infertility division of a university teaching hospital. Forty-one CC responders were selected and their hormonal and clinical features were determined. Forty-one CC-resistant PCOD women were also selected and clinical features; metabolic and hormonal profiles before and after treatment with MTF 1500 mg/day for 6-8 weeks were evaluated. Women who failed to conceive were treated by CC while continuing to take MTF. RESULTS: CC responders had higher insulin levels while non-responders were hyperinsulinemic. Menstrual irregularities improved in 30%. Mean+/-S.D. area under curve of insulin decreased from 297.58+/-191.33 to 206+/-0.1 mIU/ml per min (P=0.005). Only 39.39% ovulated and 24.24% conceived. CONCLUSION: PCOD is associated with insulin resistance (IR) particularly in CC-resistant women. Insulin resistance and androgen levels are significantly higher in obese patients. MTF therapy improved hyperandrogenemia, IR, and pregnancy rate.     

Adequate timing of fetal ultrasound to guide metabolic therapy in mild gestational diabetes mellitus. Results from a randomized study

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound assessment of abdominal circumference early in the third trimester had been proposed to introduce insulin therapy in order to prevent fetal overgrowth in women with mild gestational diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate adequate weeks gestation timing for testing this parameter. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one women were included in a randomized trial. Seventy-three women were evaluated at both 28 and 32 weeks gestation whereas 68 women were investigated only at 32 weeks gestation. In both groups, insulin therapy was promptly started when abdominal circumference exceeded the 75th percentile. Macrosomic rates were compared using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Twenty-nine women whose fetal abdominal circumference exceeded the 75th percentile were considered eligible for insulin therapy. In this group, we observed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of macrosomic infants born from women whose ultrasound abdominal circumference assessment was performed only at 32 weeks gestation when compared to women evaluated at both 28 and 32 weeks gestation (71.43% vs 33.33%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the need for fetal ultrasound at 28 weeks gestation to direct metabolic therapy since insulin administration introduced after 32 weeks gestation has a poor effect on fetal growth.     

Fetal growth in women managed with insulin pump therapy compared to conventional insulin

OBJECTIVE: Fetal hyperinsulinaemia secondary to maternal hyperglycaemia is considered to be the driving force behind excessive fetal growth. We hypothesised that insulin pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII) would improve maternal glycaemic control and normalise fetal growth parameters. To this end, this study compares maternal glycaemic control and fetal growth of women receiving insulin pump therapy with those receiving conventional insulin therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective non-randomised study of 42 women with pre-existing diabetes attending a joint obstetric diabetic clinic. Each woman was offered the choice of commencing insulin pump therapy or remaining on a conventional insulin regime. Estimated fetal weight and fetal growth velocity were calculated from routinely collected third trimester ultrasound biometry and expressed as standard deviation (Z) scores. RESULTS: Eighteen women commenced insulin pump therapy. There was no difference in pre-conception glycosylated haemoglobin A1c concentrations (HbA1c) between pump and conventional therapy groups (mean HbA1c 7.62 versus 8.01; p=0.49) or third trimester glycaemic control (mean HbA1c 6.63 versus 6.44; p=0.51). Women using pump therapy had similar mean growth velocity Z scores (1.5 versus 1.36; p=0.83), similar mean estimated fetal weight Z scores prior to delivery (2.80 versus 2.16; p=0.16) and similar mean birthweight Z scores (2.09 versus 2.00; p=0.86) compared to women using conventional insulin therapy. CONCLUSION: This small, non-randomised study suggests that the use of insulin pump therapy offers no benefit in terms of normalising fetal growth velocity, fetal size, birthweight or improving maternal glycaemic control compared to conventional insulin therapy.     

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Improved blood glucose in pregnant diabetics

The effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (c.s.i.i.) on the control of blood-glucose concentration and outcome of pregnancy was assessed in two pregnant diabetics (class B and class C White classification) who were poorly controlled with conventional insulin therapy. The insulin pump was carried in a holster and enabled the patients to ambulate freely. The patients were able to refill the syringe, to augment the infusion rate at mealtime and to change the implantation site of the needle weekly, and thus, were able to leave the hospital. Daily glucose profiles were assessed 1-3 times a week, and the infusion rate was readjusted accordingly. Twenty-four hours glucose profiles were obtained from both patients during inpatient conventional insulin regimens, and then, during c.s.i.i. which was maintained for 41 and 145 days, respectively. Mean 24 hours glucose concentrations were reduced from 156 to 113 mg/100 ml, mean fasting glucose from 152 to 106 mg/100 ml, and mean diurnal variation (maximal excursion) from 75 to 65 mg/100 ml. The favourable results achieved with the c.s.i.i. enabled both patients to reach the 18th week of gestation and to deliver healthy non-macrosomic infants, who had uneventful and morbid-free neonatal periods. Since the c.s.i.i. supplies insulin in a more physiological manner than twice daily regimens, better control of blood sugar and body fuel metabolism may be achieved. By extending the therapy to the early stages of pregnancy, or if possible to pre-conceptional period, reduced perinatal mortality and morbidity may be anticipated.     

Assessment of self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in diabetic pregnant women

We instructed pregnant women with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) how to monitor their own blood glucose concentrations and evaluated the efficiency and feasibility of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Self-monitored glucose concentrations with a reflectance meter correlated with those of hospital laboratory measurements (hexokinase method) with a coefficient of more than 0.9. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) levels of the patients were normalized with insulin treatment based on the self-monitored glucose concentrations. In pregnant women with NIDDM who monitored their blood glucose concentrations before breakfast, the fasting glucose concentrations could be lowered by insulin administration and the duration of hospitalization could be shortened compared to non-monitored patients. Although diurnal variations were prominent in pregnant women with IDDM and precise control of their blood glucose concentrations was difficult with conventional insulin administration, even if the patients had monitored their glucose concentrations 7 times a day, the mean glucose concentrations and M values could be kept in the optimum range in patients treated with CSII. These methods have contributed to the improvement in maternal and infant complications.     

Use of the subcutaneous terbutaline pump for long-term tocolysis

Nine patients in preterm labor requiring long-term tocolysis were managed with subcutaneous terbutaline administered via a portable infusion pump. All had failed oral tocolytic therapy and were therefore faced with prolonged hospitalization. In this feasibility study, the patients were treated at home and monitored with portable tocodynamometers and home nursing visits. Uterine activity data were transmitted via telephone to the study center and terbutaline pump infusion rates were adjusted accordingly. Terbutaline pump therapy consisted of a combination of low-dose continuous basal infusion supplemented with intermittent high-dose boluses. Total daily drug dosage remained exceptionally low (less than 3 mg/24 hours). The mean gestational age at initiation of therapy was 29.6 +/- 3.7 weeks, and pregnancy was prolonged an average of 9.2 +/- 4.3 weeks. The minimum gestational age at delivery was 37.3 weeks. Patient tolerance was excellent and, in a total 394 patient-days of therapy, there were no significant complications. We conclude that the portable subcutaneous terbutaline pump may be a promising new method for long-term outpatient tocolysis in patients who cannot be maintained on oral therapy.     

Does intensive glycemic control in diabetic pregnancies result in normalization of other metabolic fuels?

Intensive treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus during pregnancy often normalizes plasma glucose levels. However, it is unclear whether this adversely affects other metabolic fuels that are essential to normal fetal growth and development. Metabolic studies were conducted after the subjects ingested a standardized mixed meal during each trimester in 7 normal and 15 insulin-dependent diabetic pregnant women. The latter were treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple injections, which were adjusted to achieve strict glucose control throughout pregnancy. Insulin, alanine, branched-chain amino acids, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and ketones were measured every 15 to 30 minutes before a standardized breakfast and for 150 minutes after the breakfast. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were studied while they received their unusual insulin dosages. Fasting glucose levels (87 +/- 7 mg/dl) and glucose levels 150 minutes after the meal (112 +/- 11 mg/dl) were near normal. However, normoglycemia was achieved at the expense of increased plasma insulin levels (area under insulin response curves, p less than 0.01, vs nondiabetic curves). Nevertheless, fasting and post-prandial plasma branched-chain amino acids, alanine, and free fatty acids were similar in both groups. Fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, and ketone levels were also normalized. We conclude that normalization of circulating amino acids and lipids in conjunction with correction of hyperglycemia may contribute to favorable outcomes in infants of intensively treated diabetic mothers.     

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and real time continuous glucose monitoring in two specialized centers in Medellin,Colombia

Objective: We assessed maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and real time continuous glucose monitoring.

Methods: This is a retrospective study, analyzing the basal characteristics, glycemic control, maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, who were on an insulin pump with continuous glucose monitoring between 2011 and 2015.

Results: Fourteen patients were included. The median age was 33 and disease duration 12 years. Indications for therapy were mainly poor glycemic control and severe hypoglycemia. The median A1c decrease was 1.02% between the first and third trimester. Pregnancies were associated with complications: 7.1% of the patients had diabetic ketoacidosis, 7.1% had an abortion, 28.5% gestational hypertension and 12.2% preeclampsia. The median gestational age at birth was 37 weeks and four days; the frequency of preterm birth was 7.1% and macrosomia 21.4%. There were no congenital malformations or perinatal death.

Conclusions: Baseline characteristics and results of patients in this study were similar to those reported in the previous literature. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with continuous glucose monitoring is an alternative treatment option for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes before or during pregnancy.     

Effects of ritodrine and isoxsuprine with and without dexamethasone during late pregnancy.

beta-Adrenergic agents are used to inhibit preterm labor and glucocorticoids to accelerate fetal pulmonary maturation. A study was designed to investigate the metabolic effects of intravenous infusion of ritodrine (150 to 100 microgram/min) or isoxsuprine (200 to 150 microgram/min) in a series of 28 patients with gestations of 28 to 40 weeks, with and without concomitant dexamethasone therapy. Ritodrine was more potent than isoxsuprine in increasing the circulating levels of cyclic AMP, glucose, insulin, and triglycerides. The diabetogenic effect of both ritodrine and isoxsuprine was so slight that it did not have any clinical significance in women with normal glucose tolerance. The results were similar when these beta-adrenergic tocolytics were given to women concomitantly with intramuscular dexamethasone therapy, although dexamethasone appeared to minimally impair carbohydrate metabolism. Both ritodrine and isoxsuprine caused a significant fall in serum iron and potassium, and this effect was unaltered by dexamethasone. Serial serum potassium levels should be obtained during long-term infusion of beta-mimetics.     

Success of laparoscopic ovarian wedge resection is related to obesity,lipid profile,and insulin levels

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic ovarian wedge resection on hormonal and metabolic parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare profiles of women who achieved pregnancy with those who did not. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Thirty-three women with PCOS. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic ovarian wedge resection using harmonic scalpel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy; levels of testosterone, DHEAS, gonadotropins, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and glucose and insulin during 2-hour glucose tolerance test; lipid profile; body mass index; and waist-to-hip ratio. RESULT(S): Twenty-two women (67%) achieved clinical pregnancy within the mean of 4.9 months after surgery. Baseline parameters of women who became pregnant differed from those who did not: those who became pregnant were less obese, had lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides; higher levels of SHBG; lower levels of fasting insulin; lower insulin area under the curve; and higher insulin sensitivity index. Subjects not pregnant by 12 weeks after surgery underwent repeat endocrine and metabolic evaluations. In these women, wedge resection was followed by declines in testosterone, LH, and insulin sensitivity index. Wedge resection had no significant effect on SHBG, DHEAS, or lipid profile. CONCLUSION(S): Laparoscopic wedge resections are associated with the highest pregnancy rates among less obese subjects with favorable lipid profiles and lower insulin. In this study, the postoperative decline of serum testosterone and LH is not attributable to improvement of insulin sensitivity.     

A study of endocrine and metabolic variables in postmenopausal women with endometrial carcinoma.

Although an underlying endocrine-metabolic disorder has been implicated as causally related to the development of endometrial carcinoma, data to support such an association are ambiguous and/or contradictory. In this prospective study of 16 consecutive nonobese postmenopausal women with endometrial carcinoma and 16 cancer-free postmenopausal women matched for age and weight, fasting values for growth hormone (GH), insulin, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2) were measured on 3 consecutive days. Intravenous glucose tolerance, pituitary GH release in response to arginine infusion, hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia, and insulin secretion in response to arginine infusion and to hyperglycemia were analyzed. Our data show that these endocrine-metabolic profiles were not significantly different between the cancer patients and control subjects, suggesting that the postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer who is not obese exhibits no accountable endocrine or metabolic disorders.     

Salbutamol infusion to treat neonatal hyperkalaemia.

Salbutamol infusion, 4 micrograms/kg in 5 ml of water infused for 20 minutes, was given to treat hyperkalaemia (potassium level > 6.0 mmol/l) in 10 critically ill preterm infants (median gestational age 26 weeks). Seven infants had acute renal failure, two had persistent metabolic acidosis without renal failure and the remaining infant had a combination of acute renal failure and persistent metabolic acidosis. No infant developed a tachycardia or became hyperglycaemic in response to the infusion. Seven of the 10 infants ultimately died but this was at a mean of 9 days following the infusion and as a consequence of complications due to their extreme prematurity or major congenital abnormality. In response to the infusion the potassium level fell in 7 infants with acute renal failure by a median of 1.1 mmol/l (range 0.7-1.8) at one hour but in the three infants with a persistent metabolic acidosis, the potassium level continued to rise. We conclude that salbutamol infusion achieves, without side-effects, at least a temporary reduction in hyperkalaemia in preterm infants with renal failure, but not metabolic acidosis. Its effect is of sufficient duration to allow ample time for definitive therapy to be instituted and thus may be a useful alternative for infants in whom the possible hypoglycaemic side-effects of glucose and insulin should be avoided.     

Successful treatment of endometriosis in women with continuous subcutaneous infusion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A)

The clinical and hormonal effectiveness of continuous infusion of GnRH-agonist (A) for the treatment of endometriosis was investigated. Five women with endometriosis (stage II-IV) were treated with continuous subcutaneous infusion of 200 micrograms of GnRH-A (Buserelin) per day for 24 weeks. Serum LH and FSH levels increased initially and then FSH levels declined markedly below pretreatment values within a week, followed by a gradual decrease to the normal range of LH levels within 4 weeks. Serum estradiol decreased below early follicular phase levels within 1 to 3 weeks and thereafter continued to decrease to near castrate levels. The LH and FSH responses to 100 micrograms GnRH challenge test were almost completely abolished within 2 weeks. The pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH were also abolished, when assessed at 16 weeks. The tendency toward the slight but significant elevation in FSH levels without an increase in estradiol was noted from about 12 weeks. No vaginal bleeding or spotting was observed in four of the five patients during the course of the treatment. After completion of the 24 weeks of treatment, FSH increased rapidly to the early follicular phase range, and ovulation returned within 4 weeks. Two of the five patients became pregnant during cycles 2 and 5. From these results, we conclude that continuous sc infusion of GnRH-A is highly effective for complete suppression of the pituitary-ovarian function in patients with endometriosis. Further, this treatment appears to be safe and acceptable, because of its rapid reversibility and its lack of side effects.     

The l-arginine/nitric oxide pathway is impaired in overweight/obese pregnant women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the l-arginine/NO system and its role in insulin signaling and endothelial function during the pregnancy of women of different BMI categories.Study designTwelve women with BMI ⩾ 25 were compared with 10 normal-weight women in a fasting condition after the infusion of l-arginine (20 g in 3 h) and after the evaluation of the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery between the 9th–12th and 24th–27th weeks. Blood samples for insulin and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) were collected at baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 h after initiating the infusion.ResultsIn both trimesters, the baseline NOx levels were similar among groups. In the 1st trimester of the lean women, there was a NOx increase in response to l-Arg (AUC: 1328; 3, 3173), which had increased by the 2nd trimester (AUC: 3884; 1905, 7686); in overweight/obese women, no responses to l-Arg were found in the 1st or 2nd trimesters. In the 1st trimester, the insulin levels were significantly reduced in both groups after l-Arg infusion. Although the insulin levels in all BMI categories were higher in the 2nd trimester, such levels during weeks 24–27 were suppressed only in normal-weight women after l-Arg infusion. The FMD was higher during both trimesters in the lean controls and was impaired in the overweight/obese subjects.ConclusionsNO availability is impaired in overweight/obese women during pregnancy, which affects endothelial functioning and interferes with insulin regulation. These mechanisms could be involved in the development of hypertensive disorders and glucose intolerance in this population.     

Diabetic ketoacidosis and insulin resistance with subcutaneous terbutaline infusion: a case report

Diabetic ketoacidosis may occur in women treated with intravenous beta-sympathomimetic agents for tocolysis. We describe diabetic ketoacidosis and transient severe insulin resistance in a woman with diabetes who was treated with subcutaneous terbutaline infusion. Subcutaneous terbutaline infusion may precipitate transient insulin resistance and diabetic ketoacidosis in women with diabetes.