LACTIC AND PYRUVIC ACIDS IN THE BLOOD AFTER GLUCOSE AND EXERCISE IN DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

The diabetic has a delayed rise in the levels of lactic and pyruvic acid after glucose ingestion but the response after exercise is apparently normal. The delayed rise in lactic and pyruvic may serve as a means of distinguishing true diabetes mellitus from functional hyperglycemia. The lactate and pyruvate response to exercise is not altered by the action of insulin. These levels are related to the concn. of blood glucose at the time of exercise. Since the avg. diabetic is maintained at a higher than normal blood glucose level and since his normal activities include exertions which are greater than the mild exercise test used, it is concluded that many diabetics exist during a large percentage of their waking hrs. with pathologic high blood levels of lactic and pyruvic acid. The data are consistent with concept that insulin is involved in the conversion of glucose to lactic and pyruvic acid when the individual is at rest but that insulin is not necessary to convert carbohydrate to lactate and pyruvate during exercise.