Fasting Hypoglycemia in Adults

Abstract

Fasting hypoglycemia is associated with and caused by a diversity of pathologic states. Elucidation of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of the fasting hypoglycemic states requires an understanding of the many factors that contribute to the maintenance of euglycemia during fasting. We review these and outline how derangements in one or more of the mechanisms that control blood glucose levels lead to hypoglycemia. The physiologic basis for recognizing the fasting hypoglycemias and the application of newer technics and tests for demonstration of basic abnormalities in adults are stressed. Some of the hypoglycemic states encountered in infancy and childhood1 are listed as . . .