Carbohydrate metabolism in thyrotoxicosis, with special reference to its relation to calorie intake.

The effects of two kinds of calorie intake, 30 kcal and 60 kcal per kg of ideal body weight with the same amount of protein, on glucose tolerance and the metabolism of thyrotoxicosis was studied. A diet of 30 kcal per kg of ideal body weight was not sufficient for the thyrotoxicosis, and all the patients lost body weight. On a diet of 60 kcal per kg of ideal body weight, weight reduction was minimal and the urinary nitrogen and blood lactate levels increased. Insulin secretion also increased on a 60 kcal diet, but there was no deterioration of glucose tolerance even in cases of thyrotoxicosis showing mild glucose intolerance. These results suggest that sufficient calories for the thyrotoxicosis are at least 60 kcal per kg of ideal body weight, irrespectively of mild glucose intolerance.