Advantages and feasibility of intraperitoneal insulin delivery

Abstract

Under normal conditions, insulin secreted by the pancreas enters the liver through the portal vein, forming a difference in insulin concentration above the peripheral circulation. Subcutaneous administration of insulin forms a portal-peripheral concentration gradient of insulin above the liver, which is inconsistent with normal physiological conditions. Intraperitoneal insulin administration has been extensively investigated because that is closer to physiological state. In this paper, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of insulin intraperitoneal administration were reviewed. Compared with the conventional subcutaneous delivery, intraperitoneal insulin administration can not only reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia, but also has the advantage of correcting abnormal lipid metabolism. This means that intraperitoneal administration of insulin has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications. Therefore, it is necessary and feasible to develop a safe, low-cost, and easy-to-use percutaneous intraperitoneal insulin delivery device. Key words: Insulin; Intraperitoneal delivery; Lipid metabolism; Diabetes