Inflammatory responses in insulin-induced hypoglycemia among diabetic patients

Abstract

Study Background: Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can induce insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose and can cause hypoglycemia if used inappropriately. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a common cause of death among diabetes patients. Aims and Objectives: This work was designed to determine the inflammatory responses in insulin-induced hypoglycemia among diabetes patients to provide information for a useful guide in the management of diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study population include insulin-induced hypoglycemia diabetes patient (n = 30; female –14; male – 16; 48–73 years), newly diagnosed diabetic patient (n = 30; female – 17; male – 13; 48–73 years), and nondiabetic individuals (n = 50; female – 25; male – 25; 48–73 years) who were negative to Giemsa thick blood film technique for plasmodium, antihepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), acid-fast bacilli, and Ag-Ab HIV tests. Plasmodium identification was determined by Giemsa thick film technique, blood glucose by glucose oxidase method, acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl–Neelsen staining, whereas anti-HCV, HBsAg, TNF-α, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Ag-Ab HIV were determined in the individual by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results obtained showed a significantly higher TNF-α and lower IL-10 in insulin-induced hypoglycemia diabetic patient than the results obtained in the newly diagnosed diabetic patient and nondiabetic individuals (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed a significantly higher TNF-α and lower IL-10 in newly diagnosed diabetic patient than in nondiabetic individuals (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed a significantly higher fasting blood glucose in newly diagnosed diabetic patient than in nondiabetic individuals (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed a significantly lower fasting blood glucose in insulin-induced hypoglycemia diabetic patient than the results obtained in the newly diagnosed diabetic patient and nondiabetic individuals (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There was an evidence of inflammatory responses in insulin-induced hypoglycemia diabetes patients as indicated by significant alterations and differences in plasma TNF-α and IL-10 in the individuals studied.

Keywords

• diabetes
• glucose
• hypoglycemia
• inflammation
• insulin
• interleukin-10
• tumor necrosis factor-α alanine transaminase