VN April 2023

Vetnews | April 2023 37 Blood glucose Glucose is an essential energy source for nearly every cell in the body. Blood levels are governed by its intake, absorption, the interactions of hormones controlling carbohydrate metabolism (insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin), the body’s metabolism, its ability to store glucose, and its excretion. As disorders of glucose metabolism involve so many organ systems, it is treated here as a separate entity. • Hyperglycaemia may be a normal physiological process, e.g. in juvenile birds. However, elevated levels are usually related to increased production or release (e.g. stress) or failure of tissues to take it up out of the blood (diabetes mellitus). Iatrogenic hyperglycaemia occurs when corticosteroids are administered or intravenous dextrose is given. Female reproductive disease may also elevate blood glucose, but this may be an indirect result due to inflammation affecting the endocrine pancreas. • Hypoglycaemia may result from poor handling of blood samples, i.e. it may be artifactual rather than factual. However, it is seen in cases with decreased intake (starvation, anorexia), increased usage (septicaemias, neoplasia, and multi-organ failure) or decreased production (liver disease). v Technical I Article >>> 14 SPECIALISED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDING OF VETERINARY MEDICINES V-Tech is an established ISO-accredited, state-of-the-art facility, ensuring compliance, quality and service you can trust. www. v-tech.co.za Email: pharmacist@v-tech.co.za | WhatsApp: +27 82 314 4510 | Customer Care: 0860 109 779 This article is sponsored by V-Tech 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 21 21