Long-Term Treatment of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes by Continuous Insulin Minipump in the Syrian Hamster

Abstract

It is difficult to normalize plasma glucose for a prolonged period of time by SC injection in experimental animals. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility and the dosage of insulin needed to maintain 24-h normoglycemia in streptozotocin-diabetic Syrian hamsters with a SC-implanted osmotic minipump. The pumps, which release insulin at a constant rate, were replaced every 14 days with fresh pumps for as long as 52 days. A high insulin dose (1 U/kg/h) was required to normalize plasma glucose and fatty acid concentrations, water and food consumption, urine output, and body weight.