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according to the diet being given. It is usually given a quarter to halfan-hour
before a meal. Symptoms of over-dosage may occur one to
three hours later, and can usually be controlled by giving sugar by the
mouth, or in severe cases, a solution of glucose into a vein.
Insulin does not replace the dietetic treatment of the disease. It is
an adjunct to it, and permits the giving of a more generous diet. It
is an expensive drug. A single dose costs 2s. 6d., and three to six may
be required each day in a moderately severe case.
Its chief value at present is in the treatment of complications, in
putting the patient in a safer state to undergo any necessary operation,
in ameliorating more serious symptoms, and no doubt adding to the
life and comfort of those afflicted with this disease. So far as is known it
is not a cure. Whether in saving the pancreas from fatigue for a time it
may allow that organ to completely recover its function in certain cases
has still to be determined.