[The effect of light physical work on the glucose formation in the liver in patients with liver cirrhosis].

In 7 normals and 7 patients with cirrhosis of the liver the influence of moderate physical work on glucose turnover was determined with 14C-glucose. Under resting conditions glucose turnover was 0.60 +/- 0.12 mmol/h/kg in the normals and 0.45 +/- 0.13 mmol/h/kg in the patients (mean +/- SD). During one hour's ergometer work of 45 +/- 12 watt, an increase of 90 +/- 42% (normals) and 53 +/- 29% (patients) was observed which resulted in a significantly lower turnover in the cirrhotics during work (normals 1.12 +/- 0.16, cirrhotics 0.68 +/- 0.14 mmol/h/kg). Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and FFA remained constant in the normals, while in the patients a slight decrease in glucose and FFA was observed. Serum lactate levels were slightly higher and normalization lasted longer than in normals. It is obvious from these results that even fundamental liver functions, such as glucose production, are disturbed in patients with liver cirrhosis and show a reduced augmentation during physical work.