Glucose utilization and insulin secretion during surgery in man

Abstract

Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in 18 patients before, during and after surgery. Glucose utilization was found to be significantly depressed during and after operation to a degree which increased with the severity of operation. Suppression of insulin secretion was observed during operation together with increased plasma cortisol levels and an increased urinary catecholamine excretion. It is suggested that a failure of cellular glucose utilization is the primary event in the metabolic response to injury which initiates cellular catabolism and urinary nitrogen loss.