Glucose counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia

Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2011 Sep;9(1):463-73; quiz 474-5.

Abstract

The brain relies almost exclusively on glucose for fuel. Therefore, adequate uptake of glucose from the plasma is key for normal brain function and survival. Despite wide variations in glucose flux (i.e., fed state, fasting state, etc), blood glucose is maintained in a very narrow range. This is accomplished by a series of hormonal and physiologic responses. As a result, hypoglycemia is a rare occurrence in normal individuals. However, glucose counterregulatory responses are altered in patients with diabetes treated with insulin especially after repeated hypoglycemia or antecedent exercise.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Algorithms
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Blood Glucose / physiology*
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / physiology
  • Child
  • Eating / physiology
  • Feedback, Physiological / drug effects
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Glucose / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypoglycemia / metabolism*
  • Hypoglycemia / therapy
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Absorption / physiology
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucose