Original Article
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2008) 62, 721–726; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602785; published online 16 May 2007
Effect of fasting on young adults who have symptoms of hypoglycemia in the absence of frequent meals
Contributors: CM has contributed to the initiation of the study, designed the study protocol, participated in the writing of the manuscript and has been the supervisor of the study. EP has contributed to the study design and participated in the data collection. JA has contributed in all parts of the study
J Alkén1, E Petriczko2 and C Marcus1
- 1Department for Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- 2Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Disorders and Cardiology, Pomeranian Medical Academy, Szczecin, Poland
Correspondence: Dr J Alkén, Karolinska Institutet, Department for Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm SE 141 86, Sweden. E-mail: jenny.alken@ki.se
Received 26 October 2006; Revised 10 April 2007; Accepted 11 April 2007; Published online 16 May 2007.
Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Among otherwise healthy adults, there is a subgroup of individuals who develop symptoms of hypoglycemia during episodes of food restriction. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether such individuals develop hypoglycemia or react abnormally in other metabolic aspects during a 24-hour fast.
Subjects and Methods:
Ninety medical students were asked if they wanted to participate. Sixteen were selected; none dropped out. A 24-hour fast was performed at a hospital ward. Blood samples and questionnaires were taken at eight specific times.
Result:
During the fast, the sensitive group reported significantly higher scores on 'irritation' and 'shakiness'. However, no hypoglycemia occurred and the lowest detected blood glucose concentration was 3.7 mmol/l. There were no differences between the groups in plasma glucose, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin, 
-hydroxybutyrate (-OH) and lactate levels. The blood pressures and heart rates were also similar.
Conclusions:
Adults, despite subjective signs of hypoglycemia, can fast without any metabolic or endocrine derangement.
Keywords:
Fasting, experience, hunger, blood glucose, ketone bodies, hypoglycemia
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