In the randomized cross-over pilot study, 14 patients were treated before mealtime on three days with three different insulin therapies – regular human insulin (RHI), insulin lispro (90 % of the RHI dose) and insulin VIAject (90 % of the RHI dose).
The purpose of the study was to measure the effects of insulin on vascular function, as measured by biomarkers for oxidative stress and atherosclerosis, and clinical measures of tissue blood flow and tissue oxygenation.
VIAject was found to be the most effective of the three insulins in improving microvascular blood flow and endothelial function and reducing postprandial oxidative stress.
Thomas Forst, principal investigator of the study, said: “Our results were most favorable when patients received VIAject, and were independent of glycemic control. This demonstrates the importance of the timing of insulin release in the protection of the vasculature against atherosclerosis.
“These results are encouraging and warrant further clinical study to investigate potential beneficial effects of ultra-rapid-acting insulin on microvascular and cardiovascular function.”