Glucose intolerance in uremia (A- and B-cell function during conservative and dialytic management)

Glucose tolerance and insulin and glucagon secretion were investigated in two groups of uremic patients, respectively on conservative and hemodialytic treatment. For this purpose, a glucose infusion was performed in the fasting state. Glucose intolerance was observed in uremic patients; hemodialysis improved, but did not normalize the glucose disposal. In uremic patients both on conservative and dialytic treatment plasma insulin and glucagon levels were higher than in the control group; the pattern of glucagon suppression was well maintained. The data obtained suggest that glucose intolerance in uremia is related mainly to peripheral insulin resistance and is not due to hyperglucagonemia.