Hyperglycemia, or glucose levels consistently over 500, is abnormal. Stress can transiently elevate blood glucose, while diabetes often produces glucose levels over 700 milligrams per decalitre. Small birds can become hypoglycemic within 24 hours with starvation, whereas larger birds may maintain normal glucose level for two to three days. If the blood sugar becomes too low, hypoglycemic convulsions and death may occur. The two most important protein fractions are albumen and globulin.
Albumin is the largest protein fraction in avian serum.
Hypoproteinemia, or low protein, occurs when the total protein level falls below 2.5 grams per decalitre. It is often the result of hypoalbuminemia. Hyperproteinemia, or elevated protein, occurs when the protein is greater than 6 grams per decalitre. This may occur with dehydration, shock, inflamation, trauma, or infection. Hyperproteinemia may be associated with an increase in the globulin protein fraction.