INFLUENCE ON CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED HEPATIC CHANGES

Abstract

This experimental study was undertaken in an attempt to gain more information on certain disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism previously noted in patients with diseases of the liver.¹The outstanding abnormality was on insufficiency of the blood sugar-regulating mechanism of the liver revealed by a modification of the dextrose tolerance test. Following the injection of 20 units of insulin and the oral administration of 50 Gm. of dextrose in 1,500 cc. of water, normal persons were found to have a blood sugar curve that differed little from that obtained after the administration of 50 Gm. of dextrose alone. On the other hand, patients with hepatic disease after this test usually showed an initial rise of the blood sugar, which often exceeded the normal, and which was followed by an abrupt decline. In some cases there was no initial rise, but an uninterrupted diminution of the blood sugar level. Both types