Regulation of serum potassium during insulin-induced hypoglycemia

Diabetes. 1982 Jul;31(7):615-7. doi: 10.2337/diab.31.7.615.

Abstract

Counterregulatory secretion of epinephrine occurs during severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Under these conditions (minimal plasma glucose 27.4 +/- 1 mg/dl) the decrease of serum potassium concentration (0.9 mVal/L) is mediated by two mechanisms: insulin-induced (0.48 mVal/L) and epinephrine-induced (0.42 mVal/L) cellular uptake of potassium. Epinephrine-induced serum potassium uptake appears to be more sensitive to beta-adrenoceptor blockade than glucose production. The intensification of insulin-induced hypokalemia by epinephrine is of clinical significance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Epinephrine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / blood*
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced
  • Insulin / blood
  • Male
  • Potassium / blood*
  • Propranolol / pharmacology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Propranolol
  • Potassium
  • Epinephrine