OBJECTIVETo compare activation and concentration of insulin, and blood glucose control in patients between insulin added into "all in one" bags and syringes at parenteral nutrition (PN).

METHODSFrom April 2006 to August 2006, 20 consecutive patients after gastrointestinal operations were recruited and randomized to instillation group and pump group. In instillation group, the insulin was directly added into PN and transfused. In pump group, the insulin was added into syringes and transfused by infusion pump. Activation and concentration of insulin, and blood glucose in patients were measured at beginning infusion, infused 1000 ml, infused 2000 ml, and remained 100 ml daily for the first 3 days after operation.

RESULTSThere was a tendency of decrease for the activation and concentration of insulin in both groups with the time. There was no significant difference of activation of insulin between the two groups (P = 0.347). There were no significant differences of blood glucoses between the two groups, and between the four time points in each groups (P > 0.05). There were no complications association with blood glucoses in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSBoth of activation and concentration of insulin at PN decreased gradually and slightly with the time no matter the ways of insulin infusion. Activation of insulin and blood glucoses in patients are no significant differences between the two groups. Insulin can be safely added into "all in one" bags at PN.