A Re-Evaluation of Allometric Relationships for Circulating Concentrations of Glucose in Mammals

Abstract

Purpose: The present study examined the putative relationship between circulating concentrations of glucose and log10 body weight in a large sample size (270) of wild species but with domesticated animals excluded from the analyses. Methods: A data-set of plasma/serum concentration of glucose and body weight in mammalian species was developed from the literature. Allometric relationships were examined. Results: In contrast to previous reports, no overall relationship for circulating concentrations of glucose was observed across 270 species of mammals (for log10 glucose concentration adjusted R2 = −0.003; for glucose concentration adjusted R2 = −0.003). In contrast, a strong allometric relationship was observed for circulating concentrations of glucose in Primates (for log10 glucose concentration adjusted R2 = 0.511; for glucose concentration adjusted R2 = 0.480). Conclusion: The absence of an allometric relationship for circulating concentrations of glucose was unexpected. A strong allometric relationship was seen in Primates.