Glucose, Insulin, and Free Fatty Acids in Uremia

Glucose intolerance in uremia is well known. In response to the elevated blood glucose, serum insulin rises. We have again demonstrated this rise in serum insulin, especially after the first hour during glucose tolerance testing. Regardless of the mechanism or appropriateness of the insulin response, plasma FFA in uremic patients are markedly depressed when glucose is elevated or small amounts of insulin are infused. The low concentration of FFA accompanying glucose intolerance may be a significant abnormality in the metabolic economy of the uremic patient.