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Hypoglycaemia, hypothermia and shivering in man
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|October 1, 1981
Summary
Hypoglycemia causes a drop in body temperature due to increased heat loss, even when heat production rises. This thermoregulation disruption impairs shivering and recovery in cool environments.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Thermoregulation
- Metabolism
Background:
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, can significantly impact physiological functions.
- Understanding the body's thermoregulatory response during hypoglycemia is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind the decrease in central body temperature during hypoglycemia.
- To examine the effects of insulin-induced hypoglycemia on thermoregulation in different ambient temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on male subjects at room temperatures of 25°C and 18-19°C.
- Hypoglycemia was induced via insulin infusion.
- Heat production was measured using respiratory gas exchange, and core and skin temperatures were monitored.
Main Results:
- In a warm environment (25°C), hypoglycemia increased heat production but caused a fall in core and skin temperatures due to peripheral vasodilation and sweating.
- In a cool environment (18-19°C), shivering increased heat production, but core temperature remained stable until shivering ceased as blood glucose dropped.
- During prolonged cold exposure with hypoglycemia, peripheral vasodilation and sweating occurred, leading to a drop in core temperature below 35°C.
Conclusions:
- Insulin-induced hypoglycemia disrupts normal thermoregulation, leading to heat loss and a decrease in body temperature.
- The ability to shiver and maintain body temperature is compromised during hypoglycemia, particularly in cooler conditions.
- Impaired glucose recovery and delayed shivering restoration were observed at lower body temperatures.