THE EFFECT OF INSULIN HYPOGLYCEMIA ON THE CIRCULATION 1

Abstract

The effect of insulin hypoglycemia on the pulse rate, arterial blood pressure, minute volume output of the heart and vital capacity was measured in 16 normal non-diabetic individuals. During hypoglycemia the pulse rate and pulse pressure increased, the systolic blood pressure rising, while the diastolic fell, and the minute volume output of the heart increased. This indicates that insulin hypoglycemia is attended by an increased amount of cardiac work, which explains the fact that, in subjects with diminished myocardial reserve, hypo- glycemia may result in conspicuous signs and symptoms of myocardial failure; it also explains the occurrence of attacks of angina pectoris in certain individuals during hypoglycemia.