ORIGINAL RESEARCH: Chronic Hypoxia Causes Disorder of Glucose Metabolism and a Specific Type of Diabetes Pages 53-57

Antonio Gomez-Valdes

Department of Internal Medicine, Havana University School of Medicine, Vedado, Havana, Cuba

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2310-9971.2014.02.02.3

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Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to show the existence of a specific hypoxic diabetes and investigate the effect of prolonged hypoxia on insulin.

Research Design and Methods: 101 patients diagnosed with hypoxic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in its different stages participated in this study. Family and personal histories as well as other causes of diabetes were excluded. Blood glucose and serum insulin response to an oral glucose load were checked during fasting, 30, 60, 120, and, 180 minutes. Plasma glucagon, piruvato, and thyroid hormones were analyzed. Pulmonary function testing was performed.

Results: Impaired glucose tolerance in COPD patients were significantly higher than normal control (p < 0.001). The plasma glucose and serum insulin response during oral glucose tolerance test corresponded to a diabetic profile with pronounced hyperinsulinism (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Our results showed that a specific hypoxic type of diabetes occurs under long-term hypoxic condition, affecting insulin synthesis and secretion.

Keywords: Long-term hypoxia, irreversible, pathways, glucose metabolism, hyperinsulinism, autocontrol, specific type. Read more