Abstract
The levels of fasting serum total ketone bodies (TKB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) in diabetics were determined by the diazonium method to evaluate the significance of these measurements in diabetes mellitus (DM). The following results were obtained:
1) The diabetics studied were shown to have significantly higher levels of TKB, AcAc, 3-OHB and 3-OHB/AcAc ratio than those in normal subjects. The same results were also obtained in type 11 DM patients treated by dieting alone whose fasting blood glucose levels were well controlled.
2) The levels of TKB, AcAc, and 3-OHB were higher in type II DM patients who were under poor blood glucose control had a high level of free fatty acid and a lowered insulin secretion capacity (ΣΔCPR120').
3) The levels of TKB, AcAc, and 3-OHB in diabetics showed a significant positive correlation with glucagon: insulin (IRG/CPR) molar ratio.
These findings indicate that the levels of fasting serum ketone bodies in diabetics are useful as one of the most important indices for the management of DM.
