Safe and rapid resolution of severe hypertriglyceridaemia in two patients with intravenous insulin.

Aim: To rapidly reduce serum triglyceride to a safe serum level. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with uncontrolled diabetes, obesity and poor physical activity. Even moderate increases in triglyceride levels (> 5mmol/L) confer an increased risk of pancreatitis and coronary artery disease. We present two patients with diabetes and serum triglyceride levels of greater than 85mmol/L despite polypharmacy intervention.
Method: 72-hour intravenous insulin infusion was administered.
Results: Serum triglyceride levels fell to 9.4 and 4.6 mmol/L respectively, without adverse events and sustained effect over several months.
Conclusion: We suggest the use of intravenous insulin infusion where lifestyle and oral drug therapies have failed can impact on severe hypertriglyceridaemia.