[The importance of the pyruvate test for the early detection of diabetes mellitus in a mass examination of the population].

The levels of carbohydrate metabolism were examined in 329 inhabitants of Lvov (age: from 6 to 68 years). Determination of the pyruvate level, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity of the blood on the 120 minute after carbohydrate meal allowed to establish in healthy persons four-modal levels of distribution of the content of pyruvate in the capillary blood. These levels correspond to normal tolerance to glucose, increased glucose tolerance (hyperinsulinism), potential glucose tolerance disorders (diabetic type). The authors propose a chart of prophylactic evaluation of glucose tolerance.