Glucose turnover and metabolic and hormonal changes in ethanol-induced hypoglycaemia. Issue 6267 (14th March 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, N M; Brown, P M; Juul, S M; Prestwich, S A; Sönksen, P H
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 282:Issue 6267(1981)
• Page Start: 849
• Page End: 853
• Publication Date: 1981-03-14
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.282.6267.849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Infusion of 67 g ethanol over four hours in fasted, non-obese normal men (a) induced hypoglycaemia by inhibiting gluconeogenesis; (b) produced noticeable increases in blood lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and free fatty acid concentrations; (c) depressed plasma growth hormone concentrations, despite hypoglycaemia; and (d) raised plasma cortisol concentrations before significant hypoglycaemia occurred. These metabolic changes were explained by the reduction of redox state which accompanies ethanol oxidation. The pronounced changes in metabolic values recorded during this study suggested that the use of parenteral feeding regimens including ethanol needs to be reconsidered.