C-PEPTIDE AND INSULIN DURING BLOCKADE OF THE HYPERGLYCAEMIC RESPONSE TO SURGERY BY EPIDURAL ANALGESIA

Abstract

Insulin secretion, as expressed by peripheral plasma insulin and C-peptide levels, was studied during and after abdominal hysterectomy in 6 patients having general anesthesia and in 6 patients having epidural analgesia. The hyperglycemic response to surgery was abolished during epidural analgesia. Insulin and C-peptide levels in plasma were low and unchanged during general anesthesia and low and slightly decreasing during epidural analgesia. Insulin secretion to the hyperglycemic stimulus is blocked during surgery. Abolition of the hyperglycemic response to surgery by epidural analgesia is not caused by an increased insulin secretion.