Abstract
Diminished glucose production is the adult response to glucose infusion. Persistent glucose production in response to exogenous glucose is evidence of a transitional homeostatic state in the first days after birth. Glucose production (Ra) was measured in 11 infants (BW 1716±48 gms; GA 33±0.3 wks) at 2-3 wks of age. In these paired studies, 4 ug·kg−1min−1D-(U-13C)glucose tracer was infused by prime constant infusion in saline or glucose (5.3±0.2 mg·kg−1min−1) solution. Data was compared to that from 23 infants (BW 2017±69 gms; GA 34.±0.3 wks)previously studied at 1-2 days of age. The weights of the groups at time of study were comparable. When the results from the glucose turnover period were compared to the saline turnover period, plasma glucose concentration was elevated in the infants (97±vs. 64±5 mg/dl at 1-2 days and 101±4 vs. 88±31 mg/dl at 2-5 wks, respectively)(p < .001). When a similar comparison was made, plasma insulin concentration was elevated only in the younger infants (19±3 vs. 11±1 uU/ml at 1-2 days (p<.05) and 12±5 vs. 8±3 uU/ml at 2-5 wks). Persistent Ra (≥ 1 mg·kg−1min−1 during glucose infusion was similar between the 2 groups (5/13 infants at 1-2 days and 6/11 infants at 2-5 wks). Control of glucose kinetics is transitional throughout the neonatal period which may partially account for the frequency of hyperglycemia noted clinically.
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Cowett, R., Andersen, G., Maguire, C. et al. ONTOGENY OF GLUCOSE KINETICS IN THE NEWBORN. Pediatr Res 22, 235 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198708000-00131
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198708000-00131