[Glucose tolerance disorders in individuals chronically exposed to carbon disulfide (CS2)]

An incidence of glucose tolerance disorders was investigated in the group of 47 employees of the viscose fibres of the mean duration of exposition exceeding 20 years. Control group included 31 employees uniform in the age and body weight. Carbohydrate metabolism was tested with the oral load with 100 g of glucose and intravenous glucose administration according to Conrad. Glucose tolerance disorders were noted in 11 employees (23.4%) chronically exposed to CS2 in the concentrations slightly exceeding acceptable levels whereas glucose intolerance was noted in 2 individuals (6.5%) of the control group. The difference was statistically significant. No difference in the glucose absorbability index was noted. Exposition time to the studied CS2 concentrations did not affect the incidence of the glucose tolerance disorders.