Serum-insulin changes following administration of L-leucine to children.

Abstract

Serum immuno-reactive insulin was measured during leucine tolerance tests in 28 children with mental retardation or hypoglycemia. Little change in serum-insulin was found in 27 leucine-insensitive children. Insulin increments of 23-57 [mu]U/ml were observed in 3 children with leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia. The relevance of serum-insulin measurement in the diagnosis of leucine-sensitive hypglycemia is discussed.