Studies in whole body potassium and whole body nitrogen in newly diagnosed diabetics
Walsh, C.H.; Soler, N.G.; James, H.; Harvey, T.C.; Thomas, B.J.; Fremlin, J.H.; Fitzgerald, M.G.; Malins, J.M.
Quarterly Journal of Medicine 45(178): 295-301
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-5622 PMID: 940920 Document Number: 103349
Serial measurements of whole body K and whole body N were made in 18 newly diagnosed diabetics 18 to 70 years old. Initial measurements were made before treatment and further measurements were made after treatment began. Six patients required insulin, 4 were treated with carbohydrate-restricted diet alone and 6 with diet and hypoglycaemic agents by mouth. Significant increases in whole body K and whole body N occurred after diabetes was controlled. The changes were greatest in the patients treated with insulin. It is suggested that losses of K and N during periods of poor diabetic control are much greater than has been realised.