Kh. Lundell et al., GLUCOSE-METABOLISM AND INSULIN-SECRETION IN CHILDREN WITH CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE, Acta paediatrica, 86(10), 1997, pp. 1082-1084
The aim of the study was to reveal differences in carbohydrate metabol
ism in children with cyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD). Thirtee
n children viith diseases of these kinds were investigated with regard
to glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and comparisons were made
with healthy controls of the same age. investigations included an intr
avenous glucose tolerance test, insulin response to the glucose load i
n plasma and insulin secretion rate. The results reveal lower fasting
glucose levels and signs of a higher insulin secretion rate in the rel
atively few patients in the CHD group where C-peptide measurements wer
e performed, but no differences in glucose tolerance. The reasons for
the differences are unclear, but the chronic increases in circulating
catecholamines in combination with the impaired nutritional status of
these children with CHD are probably the most important factors. We co
nclude that these divergences in carbohydrate metabolism should be emp
hasized in the care of children with CHD.