Potassium supplementation, serum immunoreactive insulin concentrations and glucose tolerance in protein-energy malnutrition.

The serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations, and glucose dissappearance rate-constants after intravenous glucose administration were measured on admission and during recovery in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). 2. A high potassium intake resulted in a considerable increase in the serum IRI levels early in the treatment period. There was a definite relationship between potassium depletion and many measurements of insulin secretion. 3. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that impaired insulin release in children suffering from PEM is partly the result of potassium depletion.