THE ARTERIAL AND VENOUS GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST IN OBESE AND NONOBESE CHILDREN

The arteriovenous glucose tolerance was studied simultaneously in 8 obese and 10 nonobese children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. It was observed that the mean peak of the glycemia was slightly higher in the nonobese group. The concentration of sugar in the blood returned to fasting levels in 3 hours in 80% of the nonobese group. In only 25% of the obese group did the concentrations of sugar return to fasting levels in 3 hours. The difference between the concentrations of sugar in venous blood during fasting and 3 hours after ingestion of glucose was more conspicuous and statistically significant in the obese. The criteria for the interpretation of a normal glucose test for this age group are suggested.