title: Treatment of insulin reactions in diabetics.
abstract: Using a modification of the glucose clamp technique, we have studied the efficacy of commonly used foods to correct hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent diabetics. After lowering the plasma glucose level to 55 mg/dL at a steady-state plasma free insulin concentration of about 50 microU/mL, patients were fed 20 g of carbohydrate as milk, orange juice, or D-glucose or 40 g of carbohydrate as orange juice. The data indicate that 20 g of carbohydrate as D-glucose corrects hypoglycemia without rebound hyperglycemia. In an outpatient setting, this treatment also proved effective in spontaneous episodes of hypoglycemia. We conclude that (1) the D-glucose content of the ingested carbohydrate is an important determinant of the glycemic response, and (2) at times of moderately severe hypoglycemia, ingestion of 20 g of D-glucose provides an effective glycemic response for periods of at least 40 minutes. In view of these data, a table is provided listing some common sources of 20 g of D-glucose.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001628:Beverages; D002957:Citrus; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007328:Insulin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008892:Milk; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007328:Insulin; D013607:Tablets; D005947:Glucose