Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
[Hyperglycemia of the dehydrated infant]
Boletin Medico Del Hospital Infantil De Mexico
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Acute dehydration from gastroenteritis can cause hyperglycemia, a stress response likely driven by cortisol and inhibited insulin secretion. These glucose levels normalize after rehydration.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Dehydration, particularly from gastroenteritis, often presents with altered glucose metabolism.
- Hypovolemic shock in children due to diarrhea is a critical condition requiring metabolic assessment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between hyperglycemia, hormonal responses, and dehydration in children with gastroenteritis.
- To explore the role of cortisol and insulin in stress-induced hyperglycemia during hypovolemic shock.
Summary:
- This study examined 33 children in hypovolemic shock from diarrhea, finding hyperglycemia (serum glucose >140 mg/100 ml) in 41% of patients.
- Hyperglycemic patients exhibited significantly higher plasma cortisol levels compared to those with normal glucose.
- Despite hyperglycemia, insulin levels were not consistently elevated, suggesting a complex endocrine response to stress.
Impact:
- Findings suggest hyperglycemia in this context is a stress response, influenced by cortisol and catecholamines, rather than solely indicative of diabetes.
- Understanding these metabolic disturbances aids in managing dehydration and associated complications in pediatric gastroenteritis.
- Normalization of glucose levels post-rehydration highlights the transient nature of this hyperglycemic state.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Transporters
Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL. It commonly occurs in individuals using insulin or insulin-secreting drugs, but may also arise in non-diabetic conditions. People with type 1 diabetes are at the highest risk because they depend on exogenous insulin. People with type 2 diabetes are also at risk, especially when treated with insulin or medications such as sulfonylureas, which increase insulin release regardless of blood glucose levels. It develops when insulin levels exceed...
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, or HHS, is a serious and life-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three main features: severe hyperglycemia, profound dehydration, and elevated serum osmolality, all occurring without significant ketoacidosis.HHS typically develops in older adults or individuals with limited access to fluids. This may result from illness, cognitive impairment, or medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids. These factors reduce...

