ABSTRACT

Basal plasma insulin levels were normal in kwashiorkor, but their response to oral glucose was impaired. As a result of the impaired insulin secretion, the glucose tolerance was abnormal and there was no reduction in plasma α-amino nitrogen levels. It is suggested that the inability of the P-cells to respond to an acute stimulus may reflect a breakdown of the adaptation mechanism to the stress of protein-calorie malnutrition, which may be the basis of the clinical evolution of kwashiorkor.

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