Glucose Turnover and Recycling in Colorectal Carcinoma

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Abstract
Glucose metabolism is affected by various pathologic states including tumors. Glucose turnover and recycling rates in 11 patients with colorectal carcinoma were measured using a double-labeled 3-3H and 1-14C glucose injection technique. Fasting blood glucose, lactate, pyruvate, alanine, glycerol, 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, plasma cortisol and plasma insulin concentrations were also measured. No patient had a history of diabetes mellitus or endocrine disorders, nor any abnormal liver function tests. A significantly elevated glucose turnover rate was demonstrated in patients with Dukes C and D lesions in comparison to patients with Dukes B lesions. Cori recycling rates were not significantly different between Dukes B vs. Dukes C and D patients. There were not differences between Dukes B and Dukes C and D patients in any of the metabolites measured. There were no significant differences in glucose turnover or recycling rates as a function of pre-illness weight loss. When colorectal carcinoma extends beyond the limits of the bowel wall, glucose metabolism may be significantly altered.