Severe degree of hyperglycaemia: insights from integrative physiology

We illustrate how the application of principles of integrative physiology at the bedside can reveal novel insights that have been largely overlooked to this day. In this didactic exercise, modern-day physicians seek an imaginary medical consultation with Professor Sir Hans Krebs because of an unusual finding in his area of expertise: a very severe degree of hyperglycaemia. Although Professor Krebs is restricted to data prior to World War II, this does not prevent him from making novel discoveries. First, he illustrates how an occult factor, rapid absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract, was a critical feature in explaining the basis of the severe degree of hyperglycaemia without obvious ketoacidosis in a 16-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus in poor control. Second, by examining simple principles of renal and gastrointestinal physiology in a quantitative fashion, Professor Krebs speculates as to how cerebral oedema might occur before therapy in a patient with a severe degree of hyperglycaemia. We hope that readers and educators will appreciate the value of applying principles of integrative physiology in a quantitative fashion at the bedside.