Serum insulin values during oral glucose tolerance test in various age groups.

Serum insulin (IRI) values during the oral glucose tolerance test were studied in 79 infants and children. Conspicuously and significantly lower IRI levels were observed in the age group of half to two years of age, while the highest levels occurred in children aged 6-14 years. The fall in free fatty acid level was more pronounced in the older age groups. While the cause and significance of these age-bound peculiarities could not be clarified, they have to be taken into consideration in the assessment of pathologic conditions.