It has been noted by clinical observers that a disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism exists in hypertension.
In 1910, Neubauer1 observed the association of hyperglycemia in nephritis with hypertension, and postulated that an overactivity of the suprarenal glands was the causative factor. Hagelberg2 made the same observation and accepted Neubauer's theory. Tachau3 also concurred in these observations, but did not attempt to explain the mechanism involved. Bing and Jakobsen4 were of the opinion that the hyperglycemia in all cases of hypertension with nephritis could be explained by a complicating condition such as dyspnea, uremia or a cerebral accident.
Hopkins5 also observed hyperglycemia in hypertension with nephritis. Hamman and Hirschman6 found that cases of high blood pressure, especially when complicated by nephritis, showed a so-called "diabetic" blood sugar curve after the administration of dextrose. Hirsch7 noted that in the majority of cases of vascular hypertension without nephritis there was hyperglycemia and an