Kugelman Index

The Kugelman index or Quinkel index is an indicator of changes in blood glucose levels during fasting. It is determined by measuring the ratio of the maximum glucose level after 3 hours and the minimum glucose level after the same interval. If the patient's glucose level decreases below the maximum possible, then the Kugelman index increases, which indicates the presence of a disorder in glucose metabolism in the liver. This indicator is widely used to diagnose and assess the severity of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Kugelman's 1947 study found that circulating levels of glycogen and ketone bodies could be used as an indicator of the presence or absence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Further research revealed changes in these indicators depending on the activity of the carbohydrate cycle in the human body. The study showed a relationship between trough fasting glucose values ​​and circadian fluctuations in glucose levels. It has been established that low maximum glucose values ​​indicate a violation of carbon metabolism in the liver. This metabolic disorder is usually associated with liver disease - cirrhosis. The Kugelman index can only be determined after a fasting blood test, since it reflects the metabolic profile of carbohydrates in the liver. This was made possible thanks to the use of the hormone Glucagon, which has a stimulating effect on the liver and promotes increased

The Kugelman index is an indicator of the intensity of carbon metabolism in the liver, which is determined by the ratio of the maximum concentration of blood sugar to its minimum concentration several hours after the administration of the hormone adrenaline. It is important for assessing liver function in various diseases and conditions. Normally, after the administration of adrenaline, the maximum concentration of sugar in the blood reaches approximately 150 mg/l 2 hours after administration. If the sugar level drops below this norm, this indicates a decrease in the normal level of carbon metabolism.

Changes in the Kugelman index may be associated with various diseases of the digestive system, such as cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis or kidney failure. A decrease in this indicator may also indicate metabolic disorders. For example, if there is a rapid drop in blood sugar levels after administration of epinephrine, this may indicate an abnormally low rate of glucose uptake by the liver. Thus, the Kugelman index can be an important diagnostic indicator in assessing liver function and carbohydrate metabolism.

But there are some issues that need to be considered when we use the Kugelman test, such as medications and dietary components. For example, taking certain medications such as antibiotics, antiallergic drugs, and diuretics may affect test results. Also, some diets rich in carbohydrates can lead to increased blood sugar levels and changes in the Kugelman index.