The amended insulin to glucose ratio and diagnosis of insulinoma in dogs

Authors: Jones BR, Thompson JC, Hickson PC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 43, Issue 6, pp 240-243, Nov 1995
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Biochemistry/chemistry, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Neoplasia, Oncology
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Amended insulin to glucose ratios were calculated from the concentrations of serum insulin and blood glucose measured concurrently during either a glucagon tolerance test or after feeding in healthy dogs. Values greater than 30 μU/mg which are supportive of a diagnosis of insulinoma were obtained at certain times during the test period. Amended insulin to glucose ratios calculated from serum insulin and blood glucose concentrations obtained during a glucagon tolerance test and an oral glucose tolerance test on a dog with an insulinoma were less than 30 μU/mg, or equivocal, at different times during the test period. This indicates that under some circumstances healthy dogs may have elevated amended insulin to glucose ratios, and dogs with insulinoma may have a normal amended insulin to glucose ratio. Care is essential for interpretation of amended insulin to glucose ratios, and a diagnosis of insulinoma using the ratio must be made in conjunction with appropriate clinical signs of hypoglycaemia.

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