Intravenous glucose utilization in marasmus

Glucose utilization coefficient was determined in 50 marasmic patients and 25 age matched healthy controls after administering glucose intravenously in three dosage schedules. The coefficient was directly related to the amount of glucose administered and the values were comparable in the marasmic and control subjects in their respectve schedules indicating normal glucose utilization in marasmus. Fasting blood glucose levels were significantly low in the patients compared to the controls. However, in only two patients fasting blood glucose value fell in the hypoglycemic range (less than 50 mg/dl).