Table 1.
Example of Expected Response to Hypoglycemic Challenge with an Average Rate Glucose Fall of −1 mg/dl/mina
| Glucose (mg/dl) | Time (min) | Glycogenolysis | Gluconeogenesis | Hepatic glucose output (mg/kg/min) | Counterregulatory hormone response | Neuroglycopenic symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | Normal | Normal | 1 | None | None |
| 70 | 10 | Normal | Normal | 1 | None | None |
| 60 | 20 | ↑b | Normal | 1.5 | G, C, GH | None |
| 50 | 30 | ↑↑ | Normal | 2 | G, C, GH, E, NE | +c |
| 40 | 40 | ↑↑↑ | ↑ | 2.5 | G, C, GH, E, NE | ++ |
a
G, glucagon; C, cortisol; GH, growth hormone; E, epinephrine; NE, norepinephrine. Refer to References 60–62
b
Degree of increase from basal rate: ↑ mild, ↑↑ moderate, ↑↑↑ significant.
c
Severity of neuroglycemic symptoms: + mild, ++ moderate.