EFFECT OF GLUCAGON ON BLOOD GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

ABSTRACT: Wu, P. Y. K., Modanlou, H. and Karelitz, M. (Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA). Effect of glucagon on blood glucose homeostasis in infants of diabetic mothers. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64:441, 1975.–Thirty infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) were randomly selected and divided into 3 groups of 10 babies each. Group A were used as controls. Group B received glucagon 300Uµg/kg i.m. and Group C received glucagon 300µg/kg i.v. at birth. Hypoglycemia developed in 6 infants in Group A and 4 infants in Group B. None of the infants in Group C had hypoglycemia. Mean blood glucose was higher in Group C in the first 3 hours than Group A, and higher in Group B in the first 1/2-1 hour. I.v. glucagon, 300µg/kg when given in the first IS minutes after birth prevented hypoglycemia in IDM in the first hours of life.