Insulin Potassium Relation?

[kumar5753]

Hi,

In view of discussion in another topic, since insulin can shift K from ECF to ICF and can treat hyperkalemia, is it possible to increase insulin secretion by taking more potassium? Say in diabetic and non diabetic people.

Thanks.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

No, potassium does not induce secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

[kumar5753]

Thanks. Pls tell me more about it.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

In a healthy individual, insulin secretion is usually driven by elevated blood concentration of glucose. It is secreted by the beta cells in the pancreas.

Production of insulin and glucagon (video) |

Khan Academy

[kumar5753]

Can't increased insulin secretion meant to normalize hyperkalemea by its transcellular shift from ECF o ICF is possible as an homeostasis mechanism?

[kumar5753]

I am asking in view of some indicaions:

"Level of Potassium in the serum also affects insulin secretion from the pancreas. Because the beta cells have an ATP dependent K channel which is when closed leads to retained K inside the beta cell which favors depolarization thereby enhancing Calcium mediated release of secretory granules. Therefore, in hyperkalemia more K will enter the beta cell and insulin secretion will increase and conversely in hypokalemia the K ions are more likely to leave the beta cell and so insulin secretion will decrease."

Potassium Insulin Relationship - USMLE Forums

"We concluded that only marked increases in plasma potassium concentration stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion."

Effect of hyperkalemia on insulin secretion. - PubMed - NCBI

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Can't increased insulin secretion meant to normalize hyperkalemea by its transcellular shift from ECF o ICF is possible as an homeostasis mechanism?

See reply #1

[kumar5753]

It is indicated on some links and also look logical.

Potassium Insulin Relationship - USMLE Forums

[kumar5753]

It is indicated on few links and also look logical. I may not be surprised, if glucose control on getting CKD is probably related to it since K levels can increase on getting nephropathy.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I am not exactly sure what you point is here. Yes, potassium may increase insulin secretion, but I have never seen it used to control insulin or blood sugar levels. Hyperkalemia can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmia. If some one needs additional insulin, it is administered exogenously, via subcutaneous injection or intravenous injection/infusion.

Diabetes mellitus and prolonged hyperglycemia results in damage to kidney blood vessels and the glomerular basement membrane. I believe nephropathy leads to elevated potassium levels, rather than the other way around.

Diabetic Nephropathy

[kumar5753]

Thanks.

Whether hyperkalemia due to any reason is sustainable or not, it is different issue. But I am just checking that can it increase insulin secretion. You have indicated it is possible. Then we can link it with altering insulin dose as it may need to be changed on getting Diabetic Nephropathy. Btw, do you know reason to, how blood glucose levels are changed(lowered) on getting Nephropathy? I suspect is is due to changed level of blood Potassium instead of decreased degradation or lesser filtration of insulin in urine.