Biochemistry

1. Lactate production and lactic acidosis :
 Learning objectives :
 List the causes of lactic acidosis .
 List the physiological and pathological lactic acidosis .

2. Lactate production and lactic acidosis :
Glucose enter muscle post- prandially under the influence
of insulin and is stored as glycogen .
Because of the absence of (G6Pase) this glycogen can not be
converted to glucose and can only supply local needs.
Muscular contraction (activity), the glycogenolysis is
stimulated by adrenalin and the resultant (G6P) is drawn upon
by rapid glycolysis and by oxidation in TCA cycle to supply
necessary energy

3. These conditions the rate of glycolysis may outstrip the
availability of oxygen and glycolytic products then exceed the
immediate aerobic capacity to oxidize them
The overall reaction for anaerobic glycolysis is :
glucose→ 2 lactate + 2H + 2ATP
The lactate is transported in the blood stream to the liver where it
can be used for gluconeogensis providing further glucose for
muscle ( Cori cycle ) .
During gluconeogensis hydrogen ion (H+) is also reutilized.
Under aerobic conditions the liver consumes much more lactate
than it produces.
This physiological accumulation of lactic acid during muscle
contraction is temporary phenomena, and disappears at rest .

4. Pathological lactic acidosis :
Lactic acid, produced by anaerobic glycolysis, may either be
oxidized to CO2 and water in the TCA cycle or be reconverted to
glucose by gluconeogenesis in the liver.
Both the TCA cycle and gluconeogenesis need oxygen;
while anaerobic glycolysis is a non-oxygen-requiring pathway.
Pathological accumulation of lactate may occur because:
production is increased by an increased rate of anaerobic
glycolysis,
 Impairment of the TCA cycle or impairment of
gluconeogenesis.
Tissue hypoxia due to the poor tissue perfusion of the ‘shock’
syndrome is usually the most common cause of lactic acidosis.

5. Hypoxia increases plasma lactate concentrations because :
● The TCA cycle cannot function anaerobically .
● Hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis from lactate cannot occur
anaerobically .
● Anaerobic glycolysis is stimulated because the falling adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) levels cannot be regenerated by the TCA cycle under
anaerobic conditions.
The combination of impaired gluconeogenesis and increased
anaerobic glycolysis converts the liver from an organ that consumes
lactate and H+ to one that generates large amounts of lactic acid.
Severe hypoxia, for example following a cardiac arrest, causes marked
lactic acidosis.

6. Metabolic adaptations in prolong starvation :
Starvation is complete stoppage of eating food by a human
body
• During Starvation the body is in an emergency condition
• Survival period during Starvation depends upon the:
• Reserve Fat stores in Adipocytes.
– More content of TAG in Adipocytes , more duration of
survival in Starvation and vice a versa.
• Due to deprivation of only Food:
– 3 to 4 Weeks
– Longer up to 65 days
• Deprivation of water alone then survival is only for few days
•

7. Metabolic adaptations in prolong starvation :
• .
Atypical well-nourished 70-Kg man has a fuel reserves of some
1600 Kcal in glycogen , 2400 Kcal in mobilizable protein and 135000
Kcal in triacylglycerol. The energy need for 24 hrs period range
from about 1600 Kcal in the basal state to 6000 Kcal depending on
the extent of the activity.
Thus, stored fuels suffice to meet caloric needs in starvation for
one to three months.
However , the CHO reserves are exhausted in only a day.
Even under these conditions the blood glucose level is maintained
above 50 mg/dl.

9. The brain can not tolerate appreciably lower glucose level for even
short periods.
Hence, the first priority of metabolism in starvation is to provide
sufficient glucose to the brain and other tissue (such as red blood
cells) that are absolutely dependant on this fuel.
However , precursor of glucose are not abundant .
Most of the energy is stored in the fatty acyl moieties of
triacylglycerol .
Recall that fatty acid can not be converted into glucose because the
acetyl Co-A cannot be transformed into pyruvate.
The glycerol moiety of TG can be converted into glucose, but only
limited amount is available.

10. The only other potential source of glucose is amino acid derived
from breakdown of proteins.
Muscle is the largest potential source of amino acid during
starvation, however survival for most animals depend on being able
to move rapidly, which requires a large muscle mass.
Thus, the second priority of metabolism in starvation is to
preserve protein , this accomplished by shifting the fuel being used
from glucose to fatty acid and ketone bodies .

11. The metabolic change during the first day of starvation are like
those after an overnight fast .
The low blood glucose levels lead to decreased secretion of insulin
and increase secretion of glucagon.
The dominant metabolic processes are the mobilization of
triacylglycerol in adipose tissue and gluconeogensis by the liver.
The liver obtain energy for its own needs by oxidizing fatty acid
released from adipose tissue , the concentration of acetyl-CoA and
citrate consequently increase which switches off glycolysis .
The uptake of glucose by muscle is markedly diminished because
of low insulin level , where as fatty acid enter freely .

12. Consequently , muscle also shift , from glucose to F.A. for fuel.
The β-oxidation of F.A by muscle halts the conversion of
pyruvate into acetyl-CoA . Hence, pyruvate , lactate and alanine
are exported to the liver for conversion into glucose .
proteolysis of muscle protein provide some of these 3-carbon
precursors of glucose .
Glycerol derived from cleavage of triacylglycerol is another
raw material for systhesis of glucose by the liver.
The most important change after about 3-days of starvation is that
large amounts of acetoacetate and B-hydroxybutyrate (keton
bodies) are formed by the liver , their synthesis from acetyl-CoA
increase markedly because the TCA-cycle is enable to oxidize all
of the acyl units generated by the degradation of F.A.

13. Gluconeogensis depletes the supply of oxaloacetate, which is
essential for the entery of acetyl-CoA into TCA cycle .
Consequently, the liver produces large quantities of ketone bodies
which are released into the blood .
At this time , the brain begins to consume appreciable amount of
acetoacetate in place of glucose .
After 3-days of starvation , about a third of the energy need of
the brain are met by ketone bodies .
The heart also uses ketones bodies as fuel .
These changes in fuel usage are accompanied by a rise in the level
of ketone bodies in the plasma.

14. After several weeks of starvation , ketone bodies become the major
fuel of the brain . only 40 gm of glucose is needed per day for the
brain , compared with about 120 gm in the first day of starvation.
The effective conversion of F.A. into ketone bodies by the liver and
their use by the brain markedly diminishes the need for glucose .
hence , less muscle is degraded than in the first day of starvation.
The breakdown of 20 gm of muscle compared with 75 gm early in
starvation is most important for survival. the duration of starvation
compatible with life is mainly determined by the size of
tiacylglycerol depot .

16. Preferred fuels By Human body
In the Well-Fed and Fasting States

18. Hyperglycemia
When a person's fasting glucose is greater than 100 mg/dl and postprandial glucose
greater than 140 mg/dl, then it is called hyperglycemia.
Causes
• Diabetes mellitus: decreased insulin production/action [fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
> 126 mg/dl or postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) > 200 mg/dl or random plasma
glucose (RPG) > 200 mg/dl with signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia]
• Hyperactivity of anti-insulin hormones
• Glucagonoma
• Prolonged treatment with steroid hormones.
Learning Objectives :
- Definition and classification on diabetes mellitus .
- Discus the metabolic syndrome (Pre-diabetes).
- Discus the metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus:
- Investigations for diagnosis a patient with diabetes mellitus .

19. Diabetes mellitus:
It is a metabolic disease leading to hyperglycemia due to absolute or
relative insulin deficiency.
it is divided into two types :
A - Primary :
1- ( type 1) : Previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, this is the term
used to describe the condition in patients for whom insulin therapy is essential because
they are prone to develop ketoacidosis.
It usually presents during childhood or adolescence.
Individuals most at risk are those with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) types DR3 and
DR4 , it has been suggested that many cases follow a viral infection which has
destroyed the β-cells of pancreatic islets.
Autoantibodies to islet cells , Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are found in about
90 per cent of cases .

20. 2- (type 2) : Previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,
this is the most common variety worldwide (about 90 per cent of all
diabetes mellitus cases) is the commonest variety , patients are much less
likely to develop ketoacidosis and although insulin may some time be
needed it not essential for survival . Onset is most usual during adult life;
there is a familial tendency and an association with obesity .
Variety of inherited disorders may responsible for the syndrome , either
by reducing insulin secretion or by causing relative insulin deficiency
despite high plasma level of the hormone because of the resistance to its
action or because of post-receptor defect.
3- Maturity onset diabetes of Young ( MODY ) :
– MODY 1 : mutation of the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF4α )
gene.
– MODY 2 : mutation of the glucokinase gene.
– MODY 3 : mutation of the ( HNF1α ) gene.

21. 4- gestational diabetes mellitus .
In the UK, about (4–5 %) of pregnancies are complicated by
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
It is associated with increased fetal abnormalities, for example
high birth weight, cardiac defects and polyhydramnios .
In addition, birth complications, maternal hypertension and
the need for caesarean section may occur.
If maternal diet/lifestyle factors fail to restore glucose levels,
insulin is usually required to try to reduce the risk of these
complications.
Women at high risk for GDM include those who have had GDM
before, have previously given birth to a high-birth weight baby, are
obese, have a family history of diabetes mellitus .

22. B- secondary :
Diabetes associated with other conditions include :
Absolute insuline deficiency : due to pancreatic diseases
(chronic pancreatitis , haemochromatosis , cystic fibrosis).
Relative insulin deficiency : due to excessive growth
hormone (acromegaly) or glucocorticoid secretion (cushing
syndrome) or increase glucocorticoid level due to
administration of steroid , drugs such as thiazide diuretics .

23. Impaired glucose tolerance :
The WHO definition of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a fasting
venous plasma glucose concentration of less than 7.0 mmol/L and a
plasma glucose concentration between 7.8 mmol/L and 11.1 mmol/L 2
hr after an OGTT .
Some patients with IGT develop diabetes mellitus later and may require
an annual OGTT to monitor for this .
Impaired fasting glucose
Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), like IGT, refers to a metabolic stage
intermediate between normal glucose homeostasis and D.M .
The definition is that the fasting venous plasma glucose is more than
5.5 mmol/L but less than 7.0 mmol/L, and less than 7.8 mmol/L at 2
hr after an OGTT .

24. Subjects at risk of developing diabetes mellitus
A strong family history of diabetes mellitus may suggest that
an individual is at risk of developing diabetes mellitus
(particularly type 2), as may a family history of GDM, IGT or
IFG.
Those with predisposing HLA types and autoimmune disease
may be susceptible to developing type 1 diabetes.
One of the reasons why type 2 diabetes is on the increase is the
increasing tendency to obesity and central adiposity in urbanized
and more sedentary populations consuming high-calorie diets.

25. Insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome:
There is an aggregation of lipid and non-lipid risk factors of
metabolic origin.
A particular cluster is known as the metabolic syndrome, syndrome
X or Reaven’s syndrome and is closely linked to insulin
resistance.
One definition is the presence of three or more of the following
features :
 Abdominal obesity (waist circumference)
- male more than 102 cm (40 in),
- female more than 88 cm (35 in)
 Fasting plasma triglycerides more than 1.7 mmol/L.
 Fasting plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol :
male less than 1.0 mmol/L
female less than 1.3 mmol/L

26.  Blood pressure more than or equal to 130/85 mmHg.
 Fasting blood glucose more than 5.5 mmol/L .
Plasma levels of insulin would be expected to be raised,
that is, hyperinsulinaemia .
Other associated features may include polycystic ovary
syndrome, renal sodium retention, hyperuricaemia and
dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles.

28. Diabetes Mellitus
Clinical Features
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Extreme hunger or constant eating (polyphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Presence of glucose in urine (glycosuria)
• Tiredness or fatigue.
Diagnosis (WHO Criteria)
• Fasting plasma glucose > 126 mg/dl
• Postprandial plasma glucose > 200 mg/dl
• Random plasma glucose > 200 mg/dl with signs and
symptoms of hyperglycemia

29. Complications
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
• Gangrene of foot
• Ketoacidosis.
Treatment
• Diet regulation
• Exercise
• Antidiabetic agents : Insulin , sulfonylureas,
biguanides, etc.

31. Acute metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus:
1-Hypoglycaemia :
This is the most common cause of coma seen in diabetic
patients.
Hypoglycaemia is most commonly caused by accidental over
administration of insulin or (OHD) sulphonylureas or
meglitinides .
Precipitating causes include too high a dose of insulin or
hypoglycaemic drug; conversely, the patient may have missed a
meal or taken excessive exercise after the usual dose of insulin or
( OHD ) .
Hypoglycaemia is very dangerous, and some patients lack
awareness of this; i,e they lose warning signs such as sweating,
dizziness, palpitation and headaches.

32. 2- Diabetic ketoacidosis :
Diabetic ketoacidosis may be precipitated by infection, acute
myocardial infarction or vomiting.
In the absence of insulin, there is increased lipid and protein
breakdown, enhanced hepatic gluconeogenesis and impaired
glucose entry into cells.
The clinical consequences of diabetic ketoacidosis are due to:
hyperglycaemia causing plasma hyperosmolality
● ,
●
metabolic acidosis
,
glycosuria
● .
Plasma glucose concentrations are usually in the range (20–
40 mmol/L) , hyperglycaemia causes glycosuria and hence an
osmotic diuresis. Water and electrolyte loss due to vomiting,
which is common in this syndrome, increases fluid depletion
.

33. There may be haemoconcentration and reduction of the
glomerular filtration rate enough to cause uraemia (Prerenal) due
to renal circulatory insufficiency.
The extracellular hyperosmolality causes a shift of water out of the
cellular compartment and severe cellular dehydration occurs.
Loss of water from cerebral cells is probably the reason for the
confusion and coma .
- Thus there is both cellular and extracellular volume depletion.
- The rate of lipolysis is increased because of decreased insulin
activity; more free fatty acids are produced than can be
metabolized by peripheral tissues.
The free fatty acids are either converted to ketones by the liver or,
of less incorporated as endogenous TG into VLDL, sometimes
causing severe hypertriglyceridaemia .

34.  H+ ions, produced with ketones other than acetone,
are buffered by plasma bicarbonate.
When the rate of production exceeds the rate of
bicarbonate generation, the plasma bicarbonate falls.
 Hydrogen ion secretion causes a fall in urinary pH.
The deep, sighing respiration (Kussmaul’s respiration)
and the odour of acetone on the breath are classic
features of diabetic ketoacidosis.

35. Plasma potassium concentrations may be raised, secondarily
to the metabolic acidosis which cause efflux of K+ from intra to
extra ceullar compartment (redistribution ) , or due to failure of
glucose entry into cells in the absence of insulin and because of
the low glomerular filtration rate .
Despite hyperkalaemia, there is a total body deficit due to
increased urinary potassium loss in the presence of an osmotic
diuresis .
During treatment, plasma potassium concentrations may fall as
potassium re-enters cells, sometimes causing severe hypokalaemia
unless potassium is prescribed.

37. 3-Hyperosmolal non-ketotic coma:
In diabetic ketoacidosis there is always plasma
hyperosmolality due to the hyperglycaemia, and many of the
symptoms, including those of confusion and coma, are related to
it. The term ‘hyperosmolal’ coma or is usually confined to a
condition in which there is marked hyperglycaemia but no
detectable ketoacidosis.
The reason for these different presentations is not clear.
It has been suggested that insulin activity is sufficient to suppress
lipolysis but insufficient to suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis or to
facilitate glucose transport into cells.

38.  Hyperosmolal non-ketotic (HONK) coma now may be referred
to as hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) and may be of
sudden onset. It is more common in older patients.
 Plasma glucose concentrations may exceed 900 mg /dl
(50 mmol/L). The effects of glycosuria are as described above,
but hypernatraemia due to predominant water loss is more
commonly found than in ketoacidosis and aggravates the plasma
hyperosmolality.
 Cerebral cellular dehydration, which contributes to the coma.
There may also be an increased risk of thrombosis .

39. Investigation of patients with diabetes mellitus :
Urine glucose testing :
By using sensitive glucose specific dipstick method normally
there is no sugar in the urine, usually most filtered glucose is
reabsorbed by proximal convoluted tubules.
Glycosuria is defined as when the plasma , and therefore
glomerular filtrate levels greatly exceed the tubular reabsorptive
capacity , this may because :
A- The plasma glomerular filtrate concentration are (more
than 180 mg/dl) and therefore the normal tubular reabsorptive
capacity is significantly exceeded.
B- Renal threshold is reduced ( renal glycosuria) this
usually harmless condition, like in pregnancy in which there is
decrease in renal threshold secondly to an increase in GFR so
glycosuria is common in normal pregnancy.

40. 2- blood testing :
 when symptoms suggest D.M. the diagnosis may be confirm
by random blood glucose concentration greater than 200 mg/dl ,
when R.B.glucose elevated but are not diagnostic of D.M. ,
glucose tolerance test is usually assessed either by fasting blood
glucose estimation or by oral glucose tolerance test.
 Diabetes is defined by a fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dl or
above or a random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dl or above.

41. Oral glucose tolerance test
Before starting this test , the patient should be resting and not
smoke during the test- the patient fast overnight (for at least 10
hrs but not more than 16 hrs ) water only allowed .
- A venous sample is withdrawn for plasma glucose
estimation and urine sample is collected.
- The equivalent of 75 gm of glucose ( for children 1.75 gm/kg
body weight up to a maximum 75 gm ) is given by dissolve it in
300 ml water and give it to patient .

42. -Further blood and urine sample are taken at 0.5 , 1 , 1.5
and 2 hr after the dose. The plasma glucose concentration
are measured and the urine sample test for glucose.
Fasting 2 hrs
Normal less than 100 mg/dl less than 140 mg/dl
Impaired ( 100-125 ) mg/dl 140 – 200 mg/dl
D.M ≥ 126 mg/dl more than 200 mg/dl

43. Glycated haemoglobin :
- Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is formed by
nonenzymatic glycation of haemoglobin and is dependent on
the mean plasma glucose concentrations and on the lifespan
of the RBC.
- Glycosylated Hemoglobin, or HbA1c, refers to hemoglobin
which is bound to glucose.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin which reflects the average blood
glucose over a period of past two to three months (8 - 12
weeks).
- The higher glycated haemoglobin, the poorer the mean
diabetic or glycaemic control .
- It has been suggested that an HbA1c of greater than
> 6.5 % is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus .

44. Conditions in which HbA1c may not be used for the diagnosis of
diabetes :
1- Hemolytic anaemias
2- Haemoglobinopathies
3- Chronic kidney disease .
4- Suspected gestational diabetes .
5- Steroid therapy .

46. HYPOGLYCAEMIA
Learning Objectives :
 Definition and clinical features of hypoglycemia.
 Discus the causes of hypoglycemia..
 Discus the investigations for patient with hypoglycemia .
 By definition, hypoglycaemia is present if the plasma glucose
concentration is less than 2.5 mmol/L in a specimen collected
into a tube containing an inhibitor of glycolysis, for example
fluoride oxalate. Blood cells continue to metabolize glucose in
vitro, and low concentrations found in a specimen collected
without such an inhibitor can be dangerously misleading
(pseudohypoglycaemia) ..

47.  Symptoms of hypoglycaemia may develop at higher concentrations if
there has been a rapid fall from a previously raised value, when
adrenaline secretion is stimulated and may cause sweating,
tachycardia and agitation .
 Faintness, dizziness or lethargy may progress rapidly to coma and, if
untreated, permanent cerebral damage or death may occur.
 Existing cerebral or cerebrovascular disease may aggravate the
clinical picture. hypoglycaemic, symptoms are relieved of on rapid
raising the blood glucose.

49. Some causes of hypoglycaemia in adults :
Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Inappropriately high insulin concentrations due to:
 Pancreatic tumour – insulinoma .
 Hyperplasia of the pancreatic islet cells
 Insulin receptor antibodies
 Exogenous insulin Sulphonylureas, meglitinides .
Hypoinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia :
Endocrine:
Glucocorticoid deficiency/adrenal insufficiency
 Severe hypothyroidism
 Hypopituitarism
Organ failure:
 Severe liver disease
 End-stage renal disease
 Severe congestive cardiac failure

50. Some non-pancreatic islet cell tumours :
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-2-secreting tumours, e.g. liver,
adrenal, breast.
Leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma
Widespread metastases
Reactive hypoglycaemia :
Idiopathic , Post-gastric surgery and alcohol induced
Miscellaneous causes :
Von Gierke’s disease (type 1 glycogen storage disease)

51. Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
 Insulin or other drugs are probably the most common causes. It is
most important to take a careful drug history.
 Hypoglycaemia in a diabetic patient may be caused by accidental
insulin overdosage, by changing insulin requirements, or by failure to
eat after insulin has been given.
 Self-administration for suicidal purposes, sulphonylureas or
meglitinides may also induce hypoglycaemia, especially in the elderly.
 Measurement of plasma C-peptide concentrations may help to
differentiate exogenous insulin administration when C-peptide
secretion is inhibited, from endogenous insulin secretion, when plasma
C-peptide is raised, whether it is from an insulinoma or following
pancreatic stimulation by sulphonylurea drugs.

52.  An insulinoma is usually a small, histologically benign primary
tumour of the islet cells of the pancreas, C-peptide and proinsulin are
released in parallel with insulin, and plasma concentrations are
therefore inappropriately high in the presence of hypoglycaemia.
 Attacks of hypoglycaemia occur typically at night and before
breakfast, associated with hunger, and may be precipitated by
strenuous exercise. Insulin antibodies can form in response to
exogenous insulin.
 Sometimes insulin antibodies form despite the patient never having
been exposed to exogenous insulin – autoimmune insulin syndrome
(AIS). Insulin receptor antibodies may cause hypoglycaemia

53. Hypoinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Non-pancreatic tumours (non-islet cell tumours )
 Carcinomas (especially of the liver) and sarcomas have been
reported to cause hypoglycaemia, this occurs most commonly in
association with retroperitoneal tumours , lymphomas,
haemangiopericytomas, liver carcinoma and leukaemia.
 Hypoglycaemia may be the presenting feature.
The mechanism is not always clear, but may sometimes be due to
the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) or abnormal
glycosylated big IGF-2.
The IGF-2 suppresses GH and IGF-1. Tumours secreting IGF-2 are
characterized by an increased plasma total IGF-2:IGF-1 ratio and
low plasma insulin concentration.

54. Endocrine causes
Hypoglycaemia may occur in hypothyroidism, pituitary or adrenal
insufficiency.
Impaired liver function
The functional reserve of the liver is so great that, despite its central
role in the maintenance of plasma glucose concentrations,
hypoglycaemia is a rare complication of liver disease. It may complicate
very severe hepatitis, or liver necrosis.
Renal failure
Renal failure can result in hypoglycaemia as the kidney, like the liver, is a
gluconeogenic organ.
Reactive (functional) hypoglycaemia
Some people develop symptomatic hypoglycaemia between 2 and
4 h after a meal or a glucose load. Loss of consciousness is very rare.
Similar symptoms may follow a gastrectomy , when rapid passage of
glucose into the intestine, and rapid absorption, may stimulate excessive
insulin secretion (‘late dumping syndrome’). Reactive hypoglycaemia is
uncommon.

55. Alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia
 Hypoglycaemia may develop between 2 and 10 h after the
ingestion of large amounts of alcohol. It is found most often in
undernourished subjects and chronic alcoholics but may occur
in young subjects when they first drink alcohol.
 Hypoglycaemia is probably caused by the suppression of
gluconeogenesis during the metabolism of alcohol.

56. Investigations of patient with hypoglycaemia
measurement of the plasma insulin and C – peptide
concentration
:
a-Increase plasma insulin and suppressed plasma concentration
of C – peptide suggest exogenous insulin administration
( hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia)
.
b- While a high plasma insulin and C – peptide level can be
seen in sulphonylurea or meglitidine administration and a urine
or plasma drug screen is thus important
.
c- but if a sulphonylurea drug screen and an insulin
autoantibody screen are negative , raised plasma insulin and
C- peptide concentration are suggestive of an insulinoma
.
d- If both the plasma insulin and C- peptide concentration are
suppressed hypoinsulinaemic (hypoglycaemia ) the causes as
mentioned above