Management of acute diarrhoea in diabetic patients using oral rehydration solutions containing glucose, rice, or glycine

Abstract

To assess the risk of hyperglycaemia with two standard oral rehydration solutions that contain carbohydrate compared with a carbohydrate free solution during rehydration of diabetic patients with acute diarrhoea. DESIGN--Prospective randomised allocation to one of three oral rehydration solutions (World Health Organisation (glucose), rice, or glycine) groups after admission to hospital with acute diarrhoea. SETTING--Dhaka hospital of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. SUBJECTS--45 diabetic patients aged between 15 and 60 who had had diarrhoea for fewer than three days on admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Fluctuation of blood glucose concentrations measured three times a day, daily stool output, and time taken for recovery from diarrhoea. RESULTS--There were no significant differences in blood glucose concentrations, stool output, and duration of recovery from diarrhoea among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS--Oral rehydration solutions containing glucose, rice powder, or glycine can be safely administered to diabetic patients with acute diarrhoea and some dehydration