High Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Research Articles

Comparison of metabolic syndrome prevalence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder

Research has shown that the metabolic syndrome is more prevalent among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. Given the scarcity of research on the disorders, this paper aims to compare the prevalence of the syndrome among the two groups of patients. MethodsA total of 120 individuals participated in this cross sectional study: 60 patients with schizophrenia (26 males and 34 females) and 60 patients with bipolar I disorder (32 males and 28 females). The psychological disorders were diagnosed by some experienced psychiatrists according to the DSM-V. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to ATP III guidelines. ResultsMetabolic syndrome prevalence among schizophrenic and bipolar I patients was 28 and 36 percent, respectively; the disparity in prevalence is not significant. According to the results, compared to their male counterparts, females were more prone significant to metabolic syndrome. Moreover, diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher among bipolar I patients. On the other hand, schizophrenic males were observed to have higher fasting blood sugar levels in comparison to bipolar I males patients. Age, consumption of second generation antipsychotics or antidepressants, and the duration of the disorder were found to be related to metabolic syndrome. ConclusionThis study showed that metabolic syndrome is not more prevalent among bipolar I patients, compared to those with schizophrenia. Also, women are more likely to be affected by the syndrome. A number of factors such as age, consumption of medication, and duration of the disorder are associated with the likelihood of the syndrome.

Survey of Random Blood Sugar Levels Amongst Leprosy-disabled People in Bangladesh

People with leprosy-related disability in north west Bangladesh were surveyed for diabetes. According to patient reports,97 (27.1/1000) already knew they suffered from diabetes mellitus. Amongst 3573 subjects who underwent a random blood sugar test, anyone with random blood sugar level above 11.0 mmol/l was referred for confirmation of diabetes and advice (111). Unexpectedly, we also found that 30.1% asymptomatic people without a previous diagnosis of diabetes had random blood sugar in the “impaired glucose tolerance” range (i.e. 7.8- 11.0 mmol/l). These people were asked to have a second blood test for fasting blood sugar level, and if this was high (above 7.0 mmol/l) they were advised to have a review with a doctor, preferably at the local diabetic clinic. A sample of people (5%) with Blood sugar levels in the normal range were also invited to have a second test for fasting blood sugar; amongst them only 2 had elevated fasting blood sugar levels (>7.0). Thus another 14 were referred with high fasting blood sugar levels. Of those125 people (considered to be Diabetes suspects) newly-detected with hyperglycaemia, 121 attended a suitable service provider for confirmation/exclusion of diabetes, within 1month of their abnormal blood test. Of them 47 (37.6%) were diagnosed with diabetes. However, 4 people did not take action as advised, and 2 died before attending clinic. Taking into account new diagnoses and old, we estimate a minimum prevalence of 40.3/1,000 amongst leprosy-disabled people in NW Bangladesh. These findings indicate the advisability of routine screening for diabetes amongst people affected by leprosy during routine clinic reviews, and that the ability and motivation to manage their own self-care of people with leprosy related disability and diabetes should be assessed. Appropriate follow up and advice for those with blood sugar in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) range needs consideration, to minimise their future risk.Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2017; 28(1) : 13-23

The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Asymptomatic Korean Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a significant systemic predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) reflects coronary artery calcification and is an independent risk factor for coronary artery stenosis. In the present study, we explored the relationship between the NLR and CACS in terms of subclinical inflammation and coronary artery calcification. Materials and Methods. We evaluated males and females who did not have CVD, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high fasting blood sugar levels. We measured white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in blood samples. We also obtained CACSs using coronary multidetector computed tomography. Results. Multivariate logistic regression showed that older age was significantly associated with a higher CACS (P < 0.001); males had higher CACSs than females (P < 0.001); and the higher the TG level, the higher the CACS (P = 0.019). The NLR of males, but not females, was significantly associated with the CACS. Conclusion. An independent association between the NLR and CACS was thus evident in healthy adult males after adjusting for other CVD risk factors. Therefore, the NLR is a significant predictor of potential CVD in male subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with metabolic parameters and dietary habits among medical undergraduate students in southeastern of Iran.

Background:To date, there is still inconclusive evidence on the extra-gastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between H.pylori infection with metabolic syndrome and dietary habits among medical undergraduate students in south-eastern of Iran, Zahedan.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was done among 363 undergraduate students in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences during spring 2014. All subjects completed a questionnaire including demographic factors and dietary habits. Serum H. pylori-specific IgG antibodies, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were measured after an overnight fast.Results:The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 45.7%. H. pylori-positive subjects had lower mean levels of TC and TG and higher levels of HDL-C compared to H. pylori-negative subjects. In addition, lower levels of LDL-C (P = 0.044) and FBS (P = 0.05) were observed among subjects with positive H pylori infection. Only rare consumption of raw vegetables (odds ratio [OR] =3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.37–5.24) as well as higher levels of FBS (OR = 1.031, 95% CI = 1.001–1.99) were significantly associated with higher odds of H. pylori infection in both the univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.Conclusion:In a small population of young students in southeastern of Iran, H. pylori infection was associated with low consumption of raw vegetables and higher serum blood glucose.

Study of Left Ventricular Mass and Its Determinants on Echocardiography.

Increased Left Ventricular Mass (LVM) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study was done to find the prevalence and determinants of LVM in the Northern Indian population. A prospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a tertiary care centre in Himachal Pradesh, India and the study population included all consecutive patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria attending cardiology OPD on seeking medical attention with various symptoms for dyslipidaemia, hypertension but not on medication over a period of one year. Focused history was taken; physical examination and investigations were done. Data collected was analysed using Epi-info software version 3.5.1. We calculated means of LVM index for categorical variables i.e., sex, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle etc., and also calculated p-values as test of significance for mean difference across the exposure variable groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and 2 tailed significance at p< 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Mean age of study population was 42.30±9.8 years and 62.9% were males. The mean LVM index was significantly higher in men than in women 77.7 ± 11.4 vs.71.3 ± 15.7 (p-value <0.01). Strong positive correlation was observed between increased waist hip ratio and increased Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 36.77 and it was statistically significant with p-value 0.04. We found positive and independent correlation of increased LVMI with increased Waist Hip Ratio (WHR). A positive independent correlation was also observed with higher fasting blood sugar levels.

Lipid profile and related factors among adolescents in an urban setting in Sri Lanka: the situation in 2006

Background: It is reported that high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and obesity emerge during childhood and adolescence, often clustered together and lead to the occurrence of Cardio Vascular Diseases in later life. Objectives: The present descriptive, cross sectional study was performed to describe the lipid profile, fasting sugar levels and related factors among adolescents in an urban setting in Sri Lanka. Methods: Biochemical assessment of serum lipid and glucose levels was carried out among 440 randomly selected students between 14 to15 years, studying in 30 public schools in the Kandy Municipal Council area. Behavioural and biological risk factors were assessed using self-administered questionnaires and biochemical assessment and anthropometry were done using standard techniques Results: The mean Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was 83.43mg/dl and it was significantly higher among the male adolescents (p Conclusions: The prevalence of high FBS levels was very low but the prevalence of dyslipidaemia was relatively high among adolescents. Overweight status and insufficient physical activity levels are associated with higher cholesterol levels.

The Effect of Hydroxychloroquine Treatment on Blood Sugar Level, Serum Lipid Profile and the Retina in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on blood sugar level, lipid profile and retina in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE) patients. Fifty newly diagnosed SLE patients were collected from Immunology and Rheumatology outpatient clinics in Beni Suef University hospital. All patient's questionnaire included name, age, sex, smoking status, the date of the diagnosis, drugs taken during the follow up period and present history of other diseases. Only HCQ was prescribed to the patients within one year follow-up. They were with a mean (SD, range) age 30 (7.07, 25, 35) years old. Their total lipid profile which included total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting blood sugar (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose levels (PPBG) were analyzed in MASTER LAB in Beni suef before and after 6 months from the using of HCQ as well as our patients were converted to Ophthalmology Department in Beni Suef University hospital before and at the end of six months of HCQ therapy to undergo to complete eye examinations. The mean (SD) of TC, TG, LDL, FBG and PPBG were significantly decreased after HCQ than before using it while HDL was increased at p

Abstract W P139: Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Level and K-Modified Barthel Index at 6 Months after Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Introduction: Few studies investigated the relationship between the normal fasting blood sugar (FBS) level at onset and functional outcome (K-Modified Barthel Index; KMBI) at 6 months after stroke. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate whether normal FBS level predicts 6-Month KBMI after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors socioeconomic position and health behavior factors in Korean stroke patients. Methods: This is an interim report of the Korean Stroke Cohort for Functioning and Rehabilitation (KosCo). The sample included 816 ischemic stroke patients aged 18-92 years. KBMI score was assessed at 6 months after stroke onset. We divided subjects into three FBS levels according to FBS tertile: lower (70 ≤ FBS &lt; 104 mg/dl), medium (104 ≤ FBS &lt; 118 mg/dl), and higher (118 ≤ FBS &lt; 140 mg/dl). Results: The mean age of subjects was 63.2 (±13.6) years. The mean of discharge KBMI and 6-month KBMI was 73.9 (±29.5) and 85.2 (±28.9), respectively. The mean of discharge KBMI for patients with lower, medium, and higher FBS level at onset was 77.7 (±26.8), 72.6 (±29.8), and 72.6 (±29.8), respectively (p&lt;0.05); the mean of 6-Month KBMI 88.5 (±25.7), 84.9 (±29.5), and 82.2 (±31.1), respectively (p&lt;0.05). The 6-Month KBMI significantly decreased in patients with higher FBS levels compared to lower FBS levels after adjustment for confounding factors (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: These hospital-based cohort study showed that higher FBS level at onset may predict poor functional outcome at 6 months after stroke (Supported by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013E3301701)).

Association of Metabolic Syndrome with the Cardioankle Vascular Index in Asymptomatic Korean Population.

Aim. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors. The cardioankle vascular index (CAVI) reflects arterial stiffness and may be used as an indicator of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In this study, we investigated the association of CAVI with metabolic syndrome. Methods. A total of 1,144 adults were included in this study. We measured CAVIs and examined blood samples to identify metabolic syndrome according to WHO Asia Pacific criteria and NCEP-ATPIII criteria. AST, ALT, r-GTP, BUN, creatinine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and uric acid were also measured. Results. CAVI values were significantly higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome than those without metabolic syndrome and increased according to the number of metabolic syndrome components present. Subjects with high fasting blood sugar levels or high blood pressure showed high CAVI values. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, sex, diastolic blood pressure, and uric acid were independent predictors of CAVI. Conclusion. Subjects with metabolic syndrome had high CAVIs, which indicated arterial stiffness, and were closely associated with an increase in the number of metabolic risk factors. The individual risk factors for metabolic syndrome have the synergistic effect of elevating arterial stiffness in asymptomatic Korean population.

Neck circumference as a potential marker of metabolic syndrome among college students.

OBJECTIVE: to relate neck circumference with metabolic syndrome and its criteria among college students. METHOD: cross-sectional study conducted with 702 college students in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil from September 2010 to June 2011. Socio-demographic data, waist circumference and neck circumference were collected together with blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride levels, and HDL-C. RESULTS: 1.7% of the studied sample presented metabolic syndrome. Of these, 58.3% presented altered neck circumference (p<0.006). As neck circumference decreases, pressure levels improve (p<0.001). Additionally, college students with high fasting blood sugar (p=0.003) and high triglyceride levels (p<0.001) presented higher values of neck circumference. CONCLUSION: neck circumference is a potential predictive marker in the detection of metabolic syndrome and its components among college students.

Metabolic Syndrome in Chemical Warfare Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Sulfur mustard (SM), a toxic alkylating gas, can cause serious long-term pulmonary complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the important comorbidities of COPD. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome in Iranian chemical warfare patients (CWPs) with COPD. Materials and Methods: Thirty CWPs with a mean age of 46.93± 6.8 were enrolled in this study. The following parameters were studied in: complete pulmonary function tests, health-related quality of life, serum triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels. Additionally, 32 COPD patients and 56 healthy persons were considered as control groups who were matched to CWPs. Results: We found a statistically significant difference in the frequency of MetS between the COPD patients and the healthy control group (p=0.04). Additionally, we observed a statistically significant difference in the mean HDL levels among these groups (p=<0.001). In the CWPs, the frequency of MetS was significantly decreased in severe to very severe stages (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our data indicate that metabolic syndrome is frequent in chemical warfare patients, and special attention to this condition in mild to moderate stages is recommended.

Cross Sectional Evaluation of Thyroid Hormone Levels in Non-diabetic and Diabetic Patients in Bangladeshi Population

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction are the common disorders in human being and diabetes mellitus in many cases is found to be associated with disordered thyroid function. This evaluation study was conducted at the Z. H Sikder Women’s Medical Collage and Hospital (Pvt) Ltd., Gulshan branch, Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this study 140 healthy non-diabetic subjects and 140 diabetic subjects were investigated for fasting blood sugar (FBS), total triidothyronine (T3), total thyroxin (T4), free triidothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Out of 140 diabetic subjects studied, 70% had euthyroidism (normal), 18.6% had hypothyroidism, and 11.4% had hyperthyroidism. Serum T3, T4 and FT3 levels were low, TSH and FT4 levels were high in diabetic subjects whereas, in non-diabetic subjects all these levels were normal. All the diabetic subjects had high fasting blood sugar levels (10.82 ± 2.72). Statically no significant differences were observed in serum T4 (p = 0.791) and BMI (p = 0.477) levels between non-diabetic and diabetic subjects. Fasting blood sugar was found to be significantly correlated with TSH, FT3 levels and others parameter were not that much significant. In this study, 30% diabetic patients were found to abnormal thyroid hormone levels. The prevalence of thyroid disorder was higher in women (17.1%) than in men (12.9%), while hyperthyroidism were higher in males (13.3%) than in females (10%) and hypothyroidism was higher in females (20%) than in males (16.7%).

The Association between Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults

BackgroundIn this Study, we investigated the effects of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome on free oxygen radical levels in men and women in Korea.MethodsA total of 254 adults were included in this study from February 2011 to June 2012 at a health promotion center. Information of the lifestyles and presence of metabolic syndrome factors was obtained. Biochemical markers were measured and free oxygen radicals test (FORT) was performed on the blood.ResultsOf the 254 subjects, 86 (33.9%) had metabolic syndrome, and 187 (73.6%) were men. Between the subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, there was a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase and serum FORT values in the subjects with metabolic syndrome. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.004), metabolic syndrome (P = 0.037), and female gender (P = 0.030) were independent predictors of serum FORT values. The subjects with high fasting blood sugar level or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels showed high serum FORT values.ConclusionHigh hs-CRP, the presence of metabolic syndrome, and female gender were associated with the high oxidative stress. High oxidative stress was associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome.

IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis overlapping with Mikulicz’s disease and lymphadenitis: A case report

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis that is categorized as type 1 or type 2 according to the clinical profile. Type 1 AIP, which predominantly presents in a few Asian countries, is a hyper-IgG4-related disease. We report a case of IgG4-related AIP overlapping with Mikulicz's disease and lymphadenitis, which is rare and seldom reported in literature. A 63-year male from Northeast China was admitted for abdominal distension lasting for one year. He presented symmetric swelling of the parotid and submandibular glands with slight dysfunction of salivary secretion for 6 mo. He had a 2-year history of bilateral submandibular lymphadenopathy without pain. He underwent surgical excision of the right submandibular lymph node one year prior to admission. He denied any history of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. Serological examination revealed high fasting blood sugar level (8.8 mmol/L) and high level of IgG4 (15.2 g/L). Anti-SSA or anti-SSB were negative. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a diffusely enlarged pancreas with loss of lobulation. Immunohistochemical stain for IgG4 demonstrated diffuse infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in labial salivary gland and lymph node biopsy specimens. The patient received a dose of 30 mg/d of prednisone for three weeks. At this three-week follow-up, the patient reported no discomfort and his swollen salivary glands, neck lymph node and pancreas had returned to normal size. The patient received a maintenance dose of 10 mg/d of prednisone for 6 mo, after which his illness had not recurred.

Potato consumption and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Iranian population

Background: Previous studies investigated the effects of dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load on cardiovascular risk factors. Little evidence is available regarding the association between potato intake and cardiovascular risk factors in Iran. Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the first stage of Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme. Methods: A total of 4774 subjects were included in the present study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 49-item food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical assessments were done according to the standard protocol. Results: There were significant associations between potato consumption and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR): 1.38; 95% CI: 1.14–1.67; p < 0.001), high fasting blood sugar level (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.17–1.68; p < 0.001) and low serum high density lipoprotein level (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20; p = 0.02) remained after adjustments for possible confounding factors. Conclusion: We found a positive relation between potato consumption, high fasting blood glucose level and diabetes mellitus.

Metabolic and psychosocial effects of minimal invasive gastric banding for morbid obesity

Obesity is considered a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and related mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of minimal invasive gastric banding (GB) surgery for reducing caloric intake in morbid obesity, and to analyze the effects of weight loss on body composition and metabolic and psychosocial outcomes. Twenty-six adult severely obese patients (mean body mass index [BMI], 48.1 kg/m 2; range, 42 to 56) underwent adjustable silicone laparoscopic GB. Nine additional obese patients who declined surgery were treated with metformin (2 g daily) and served as a small additional group (BMI, 50.5 kg/m 2; range, 41 to 68). Presurgery and 17 ± 2.2 months postoperatively, body composition (fat mass [FM], lean body mass [LBM], body water) and serum parameters (lipids, glucose, thyrotropin-stimulating hormone [TSH]) were determined. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated by a standardized self-rating questionnaire (Short Form-36 [SF-36]), and supplemented by measures of physical complaints and psychological distress. After GB, weight loss was 21 ± 14.9 kg (14%, P < .001). It was associated with a decrease in FM by 14 ± 8.6 kg (18%, P < .001), LBM by 4 ± 2.7 kg (5%, P < .001), body water by 4 ± 3.4 L (7%, P < .01), systolic blood pressure by 16 ± 26.3 mm Hg (10%, P < .05), total cholesterol by 0.69 ± 1.29 mmol/L (12%, P < .05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 0.38 ± 0.39 mmol/L (10%, P < .05). Highly significant interactions between surgery and time were noted for weight ( P < .005), BMI ( P < .005), and FM ( P < .007, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Preoperatively, 14 of 26 patients (54%) had high fasting blood sugar levels (type 2 diabetics) and 11 (42%) had impaired glucose tolerance, whereas postoperatively, for baseline glucose levels a trend to decrease was noted. Neither malabsorption nor anemia was observed. QoL improved after GB; in particular, physical functioning and well being increased ( P < .01), and somatic complaints (eg, dyspnea and heart complaints, pain in legs and arms) markedly decreased ( P = .008). In the metformin group, neither relevant weight loss nor a significant decrease of biochemical values was observed. Minimal invasive GB is a successful therapeutic tool for reducing FM in morbidly obese patients. Weight loss resulted in improved metabolic parameters, suggesting a lowered atherogenic risk.

Relationship Between High Fasting Blood Sugar and Depression in a Mental Hygiene Clinic Population*

The relationship between diagnosis and abnormally high fasting blood sugar levels was reviewed for 4,994 patients in a mental hygiene clinic. Fifty-four patients exceeded the criterion level of fasting blood sugar abnormality, FBS greater than or equal to 145 mg%. There was no evidence of relationship between psychiatric diagnosis and the presence of an abnormally high fasting blood sugar level. This held true for the diagnosis of depression despite observations made elsewhere that a significant association exists between the depressions and diabetes.

Incidence and epidemiologic features of cerebrovascular disease (stroke) in Manitoba, Canada: Study of population 20–64 years of age

All new cases of stroke appearing between January 1, 1970, and June 30, 1971, in major defined areas in Manitoba (including 700 000 residents) were identified from the Manitoba Health Services Commission's claim reports. The medical records were carefully reviewed, pertinent data were abstracted, and rigid criteria for diagnosis were followed. Also, data were obtained from death certificates, autopsy reports, and long-term hospital records. Of a total of 1484 ascertained cases, 434 are under 65 yr of age and are the basis of this report. Incidence data of stroke show clear differences in cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction according to age, sex, occupation, religion, birthplace, and residence. The epidemiological features of infarction parallel those of ischemic heart disease and, along with the preliminary findings from laboratory data, suggest that atherosclerosis and possibly smoking habit are important factors in the genesis of infarction. On the other hand, the features of hemorrhage suggest that high blood pressure and fasting blood sugar level are important factors in the genesis of this condition. In part, features of infarction and hemorrhage seem to be identical, which indicates that some of the factors, such as age and high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, are involved in both conditions. However, the relative role of each factor in one condition versus the other is noted.

The control of blood sugar in the laboratory rat and golden hamster. II. Investigations of plasma insulin concentrations.

ABSTRACT Further investigations of blood sugar control in the Wistar albino rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), kept in the laboratory at 21°C have been made. Concentrations of plasma insulin in the fasting and the glucose loaded animal were determined, and it was shown that the hamster maintains a lower plasma insulin concentration than the rat, and secretes less insulin in response to glucose loading. It is concluded that the high fasting blood sugar level and poor glucose tolerance of the hamster result from a relative lack of insulin in this animal.

Serum growth hormone and insulin in females without glucose intolerance

In the absence of glucose intolerance, fasting blood sugar levels are significantly higher in nonobese women in succeeding age decades. This upward trend with age in fasting blood sugar levels is not evident in obesity but such women, compared to the nonobese group, already have higher fasting blood sugar levels when they are just in the third decade of life. With but minor exceptions, the serum growth hormone and the serum insulin responses to an oral carbohydrate load recorded in nonobese women without glucose intolerance are of the same order of magnitude irrespective of age. This is also true in obese women without glucose intolerance. Obesity in women is associated with serum growth hormone levels which during fasting are lower than those observed in nonobese women. In obesity the peak growth hormone levels and the sum of the growth hormone levels recorded during an oral glucose tolerance test are lower than those observed in females of normal weight. During the first two hours of a normal oral glucose tolerance test in obese women a true and absolute hyperinsulinemia is recorded, but this is then replaced by waning of serum insulin below levels characteristic of a nonobese control group.