Effect of surgery on carbohydrate metabolism.

The effect of surgery on carbohydrate metabolism has been studied in 20 patients. The blood sugar and serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels were determined during various operations. The blood sugar level rose progressively with the duration of the intervention. A difference was detected in the changes of the blood sugar and serum-IRI levels during extra- and intraperitoneal operations. In the first case the rise in blood sugar and serum IRI was slighter and showed no close correlation with time. During intraperitoneal operations, no corresponding insulin response accompanied the increased blood sugar level.