[Glucose and insulin blood levels in low birth weight neonates under exclusive parenteral nutrition (author's transl)].

In 31 low birth weight neonates under exclusive parenteral nutrition, insulin levels were studied and compared to blood glucose levels. Mean birth weight was 1,261 g (950 to 1,500). Gestational age was 30 weeks (27 to 40). Before the 48th hour of life, mean blood glucose level (+/- standard error) was 3.61 (+/- 0.24) mmol/l. Insulin level was 116 (+/- 30) pmole/l. After the 48th hour, the values were 4.36 (+/- 0.58) and 158 (+/- 46) respectively. There is a significant correlation between blood glucose and insulin levels (r = 0.62 p < 0.001). Hyperglycemia was present in 4 cases (> 7 mmol/l) and revealed severe pathology. These 4 children were those with the highest insulin levels. There was no significant relationship between insulin level, gestational age, postnatal age or birth weight.