Similar insulin secretory response to a gastric inhibitory polypeptide bolus injection at euglycemia in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and control subjects

Insulin secretion following the intravenous infusion of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is diminished in patients with type 2 diabetes and at least a subgroup of their first-degree relatives at hyperglycemic clamp conditions. Therefore, we studied the effects of an intravenous bolus administration of GIP at normoglycemic conditions in the fasting state. Ten healthy control subjects were studied with an intravenous bolus administration of placebo, and of 7, 20, and 60 pmol GIP/kg body weight (BW), respectively. Forty-five first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and 33 matched control subjects were studied with (1) a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and (2) an intravenous bolus injection of 20 pmol GIP/kg BW with blood samples drawn over 30 minutes for determination of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and GIP. Statistical analysis applied repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's post hoc tests. Insulin secretion was stimulated after the administration of 20 and of 60 pmol GIP/kg BW in the dose-response experiments (P <.0001). GIP administration (20 pmol/kg BW) led to a significant rise of insulin and C-peptide concentrations in the first-degree relatives and control subjects (P <.0001), but there was difference between groups (P =.64 and P =.87, respectively). Also expressed as increments over baseline, no differences were apparent (Delta(insulin), 7.6 +/- 1.2 and 7.6 +/- 1.6 mU/L, P =.99; Delta(C-peptide), 0.35 +/- 0.06 and 0.38 +/- 0.08 ng/mL, P =.75). Integrated insulin and C-peptide responses after GIP administration significantly correlated with the respective insulin and C-peptide responses after glucose ingestion (insulin, r = 0.78, P <.0001; C-peptide, r = 0.35, P =.0015). We conclude that a reduced insulinotropic effect of GIP in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes cannot be observed at euglycemia. Therefore, a reduced GIP-induced insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and their first-degree relatives at hyperglycemia is more likely due to a general defect of B-cell function than to a specific defect of the GIP action.     

Relationship between insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in cirrhosis

Hepatic insulin extraction is difficult to measure in humans; as a result, the interrelationship between defective insulin secretion and insulin insensitivity in the pathogenesis of glucose intolerance in cirrhosis remains unclear. To reassess this we used recombinant human C-peptide to measure C-peptide clearance in cirrhotic patients and controls and thus derive C-peptide and insulin secretion rates after a 75-gm oral glucose load and during a 10 mmol/L hyperglycemic clamp. Cirrhotic patients were confirmed as insulin-insensitive during a euglycemic clamp (glucose requirement: 4.1 +/- 0.1 mg/kg/min vs. 8.1 +/- 0.5 mg/kg/min; p less than 0.001), which also demonstrated a low insulin metabolic clearance rate (p less than 0.001). Although intolerant after oral glucose, the cirrhotic patients had glucose requirements identical to those of controls during the hyperglycemic clamp (cirrhotic patients: 6.1 +/- 1.0 mg/kg/min; controls: 6.3 +/- 0.7 mg/kg/min), suggesting normal intravenous glucose tolerance. C-peptide MCR was identical in cirrhotic patients (2.93 +/- 0.16 ml/min/kg) and controls (2.96 +/- 0.24 ml/min/kg). Insulin secretion was higher in cirrhotic patients, both fasting (2.13 +/- 0.26 U/hr vs. 1.09 +/- 0.10 U/hr; p less than 0.001) and from min 30 to 90 of the hyperglycemic clamp (5.22 +/- 0.70 U/hr vs. 2.85 +/- 0.22 U/hr; p less than 0.001). However, with oral glucose the rise in serum C-peptide concentration was relatively delayed, and the insulin secretion index (secretion/area under 3-hr glucose curve) was not elevated. Hepatic insulin extraction was reduced both in fasting and during the hyperglycemic clamp (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modest weight loss improves insulin action in obese African Americans

OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown that short-term energy restriction followed by modest lifestyle changes improves glucose tolerance for up to 1 year in obese individuals. The purpose of the present study was to determine the mechanism by which improvements in glucose tolerance occur in obese African Americans with insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine subjects (53 +/- 2 years; body mass index, 37 +/- 3 kg/m 2 [mean +/- SEM]) received a low-energy diet (3883 +/- 222 kJ/d) for 1 week, and then followed a modest lifestyle intervention program for up to 1 year. Body composition was estimated by hydrostatic weighing, and insulin secretion and action were assessed during a hyperglycemic clamp with superimposed arginine infusion and fat meal. Baseline and final tests were performed during weight stability. RESULTS: Significant improvements ( P < .05) were observed for body weight (-6.1 +/- 1.1 kg), body composition (-5.5 +/- 1.3 kg fat mass), fasting plasma glucose (-1.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/L), fasting insulin (-52 +/- 21 pmol/L), oral glucose tolerance, and insulin action (+24%), defined as an increase in glucose disposal rate relative to plasma insulin concentration during the hyperglycemic clamp. These improvements were independent of an acute effect of energy restriction or weight loss, because body weight was stable. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the improvements in glucose tolerance with a modest lifestyle intervention were attributable to an improvement in insulin action, and provide evidence that despite persistent obesity (body mass index, 34.7 +/- 2.4 kg/m 2 ), long-term benefits can be achieved with relatively small weight loss in obese African Americans.     

Glyburide enhances the responsiveness of the beta-cell to glucose but does not correct the abnormal patterns of insulin secretion in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Eleven patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were studied before and after 6-10 weeks of glyburide therapy. Patients were studied during a 24-h period on a mixed diet comprising 30 Cal/kg divided into three meals. The following day a hyperglycemic clamp study was performed, with glucose levels clamped at 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) for a 3-h period. Insulin secretion rates were calculated by deconvolution of peripheral C-peptide concentrations using individual C-peptide clearance kinetics derived after bolus injection of biosynthetic human C-peptide. After 6-10 weeks on glyburide, the identical studies were repeated. In response to glyburide, the fasting plasma glucose level decreased from 12.3 +/- 1.2 to 6.8 +/- 0.9 mmol/L. Although the mean glucose over the 24 h of the meal study decreased from 12.7 +/- 1.4 to 10.8 +/- 1.2 mmol/L, postprandial hyperglycemia persisted on therapy, and after breakfast, glucose levels exceeded 10 mmol/L and did not return to fasting levels for the remainder of the day. Fasting serum insulin, plasma C-peptide, and the insulin secretion rate were not different before (152 +/- 48 pmol/L, 0.82 +/- 0.16 pmol/mL, and 196 +/- 34 pmol/min, respectively) and after (186 +/- 28 pmol/L, 0.91 +/- 0.11 pmol/mL, and 216 +/- 23 pmol/min, respectively) glyburide treatment despite lowering of the glucose level. However, average insulin and C-peptide concentrations over the 24-h period increased from 366 +/- 97 pmol/L and 1.35 +/- 0.19 pmol/mL to 434 +/- 76 pmol/L and 1.65 +/- 0.15 pmol/mL, respectively. The total amount of insulin secreted over the 24-h period rose from 447 +/- 58 nmol before therapy to 561 +/- 55 nmol while receiving glyburide. Insulin secretion was demonstrated to be pulsatile in all subjects, with periodicity ranging from 2-2.5 h. The number of insulin secretory pulses was not altered by glyburide, whereas pulse amplitude was enhanced after lunch and dinner, suggesting that the increased insulin secretion is characterized by increased amplitude of the individual pulses. In response to a hyperglycemic clamp at 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L), insulin secretion rose more than 2-fold, from 47 +/- 9 nmol over the 3-h period before treatment to 103 +/- 21 nmol after glyburide therapy. We conclude that the predominant mechanism of action of glyburide in patients receiving therapy for 6-10 weeks is to increase the responsiveness of the beta-cell to glucose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Ghrelin enhances glucose-induced insulin secretion in scheduled meal-fed sheep

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physiologic levels of ghrelin on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (glucose disposal) in scheduled fed-sheep, using the hyperglycemic clamp and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp respectively. Twelve castrated Suffolk rams (69.8 +/- 0.6 kg) were conditioned to be fed alfalfa hay cubes (2% of body weight) once a day. Three hours after the feeding, synthetic ovine ghrelin was intravenously administered to the animals at a rate of 0.025 and 0.05 mug/kg body weight (BW) per min for 3 h. Concomitantly, the hyperglycemic clamp or the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was carried out. In the hyperglycemic clamp, a target glucose concentration was clamped at 100 mg/100 ml above the initial level. In the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, insulin was intravenously administered to the animals for 3 h at a rate of 2 mU/kg BW per min. Basal glucose concentrations (44+/- 1 mg/dl) were maintained by variably infusing 100 mg/dl glucose solution. In both clamps, plasma ghrelin concentrations were dose-dependently elevated and maintained at a constant level within the physiologic range. Ghrelin infusions induced a significant (ANOVA; P < 0.01) increase in plasma GH concentrations. In the hyperglycemic clamp, plasma insulin levels were increased by glucose infusion and were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in ghrelin-infused animals. In the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, glucose infusion rate, an index of insulin sensitivity, was not affected by ghrelin infusion. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated for the first time that ghrelin enhances glucose-induced insulin secretion in the ruminant animal.     

Insulin and glucagon secretion are suppressed equally during both hyper- and euglycemia by moderate hyperinsulinemia in patients with diabetes mellitus

Hyper- and euglycemic clamp studies were performed in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to examine the effects of exogenous insulin administration on insulin and glucagon secretion. Plasma glucose was kept at the fasting level [mean, 10.0 +/- 0.2 (+/- SE) mmol/L; hyperglycemic clamp], and graded doses of insulin (1, 3, and 10 mU/kg.min, each for 50 min) were infused. The plasma C-peptide level gradually decreased from 523 +/- 66 to 291 +/- 43 pmol/L (n = 13; P less than 0.005) by the end of the hyperglycemic clamp study. After 90 min of equilibration with euglycemia (5.4 +/- 0.1 mmol/L; euglycemic clamp), the same insulin infusion protocol caused a similar decrease in the plasma C-peptide level. With the same glucose clamp protocol, physiological hyperinsulinemia for 150 min (676 +/- 40 pmol/L), obtained by the infusion of 2 mU/kg.min insulin, caused suppression of the plasma C-peptide level from 536 +/- 119 to 273 +/- 65 pmol/L during hyperglycemia and from 268 +/- 41 to 151 +/- 23 pmol/L during euglycemia (n = 9; P less than 0.005 in each clamp). Plasma glucagon was suppressed to a similar degree in both glycemic states. These results demonstrate that 1) insulin secretion in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is suppressed by high physiological doses of exogenous insulin in both the hyper- and euglycemic states, the degree of inhibition being independent of the plasma glucose level; and 2) glucagon secretion is also inhibited by such doses of exogenous insulin.     

Simultaneous assessment of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity using a hyperglycemia clamp.

A hyperglycemic clamp is an established method to assess insulin secretion and is generally used only for this purpose. To determine whether it could also be used to assess insulin sensitivity, we compared insulin sensitivity indices (ISI) obtained during euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp experiments in 22 nonobese volunteers (body mass index, 23.9 +/- 0.6 kg/m2) and in 20 obese individuals (body mass index, 30.8 +/- 1.3 kg/m2) matched for age and gender. The ISI values (micromoles per kg.min/pmol) of the obese group assessed during hyperglycemic (0.088 +/- 0.011) and euglycemic (0.050 +/- 0.005) clamp experiments were both significantly lower than the ISI of the nonobese group assessed in hyperglycemic and euglycemic clamp experiments (0.179 +/- 0.024 and 0.096 +/- 0.009, respectively; both P less than 0.01). Although the ISI values obtained with hyperglycemic clamps were consistently greater than those obtained with euglycemic clamp (0.137 +/- 0.016 vs. 0.075 +/- 0.007; P less than 0.001), they were highly correlated (r = 0.84; P less than 0.0001). Moreover, when these indices were converted to clearance rates, thereby correcting for the mass action effects of glucose on glucose disposal, the values obtained with the hyperglycemic clamp (0.0137 +/- 0.0016 mL/kg.min/pmol) were statistically identical to those obtained with the euglycemic clamp (0.0142 +/- 0.0013 mL/kg.min/pmol), as indicated by a regression equation having an intercept of 0 and a slope (1.03) not different from 1. We, therefore, conclude that the hyperglycemic clamp and the euglycemic clamp yield comparable estimates of insulin sensitivity and that, under appropriate conditions, the hyperglycemic clamp technique may be used to assess both insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in the same individual in a single experiment.     

应用高葡萄糖钳夹技术评价糖耐量异常的Graves病患者胰岛β细胞功能及胰岛素抵抗

目的应用高葡萄糖钳夹技术评价糖耐量异常（IGT）的Graves病（GD）患者胰岛B细胞功能及胰岛素抵抗。方法筛选合并IGT的GD患者6例（均为初诊未治）,应用高葡萄糖钳夹技术检测胰岛素分泌及胰岛素敏感性,并与正常对照组10例进行比较,所有研究对象均检测谷氨酸脱羧酶（GAD）抗体。结果合并IGT的GD组与正常对照组比较,第一时相胰岛素分泌[（636．31±105．54）mIU／L比（233．56±21．33）mIU／L]、第二时相胰岛素分泌[（146．68±25．0）mIU／L比（67．06±6．23）mIU／L]、最大胰岛素分泌量[（195．05±32．94）mIU／L比（87．64±9．78）mIU／L],胰岛素敏感性指数（11．52±1．90比21．72±3．25）,差异均有统计学意义（P值均〈0．05）。所有研究对象GAD抗体检测均为阴性。结论GAD抗体阴性的GD合并IGT患者胰岛素分泌呈亢进状态,胰岛素敏感性显著低于正常对照组。     

Lack of insulin inhibition on insulin secretion in non-diabetic morbidly obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin inhibition of insulin secretion has been described in normal lean subjects. In this study, we examined whether this phenomenon also occurs in the morbidly obese who often have severe peripheral insulin resistance. SUBJECTS: Twelve obese patients, normotolerant to glucose (8 F/4 M, body mass index (BMI)=54.8+/-2.5 kg/m(2), 39 y) and 16 lean control subjects (10 F/6 M, BMI=22.0+/-0.5 kg/m(2), 31 y). DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: An experimental study using various parameters, including an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (280 pmol/min/m(2) of body surface), an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), electrical bioimpedance and indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: The obese subjects were insulin resistant (M=19.8+/-1.6 vs 48.7+/-2.6 micromol/min kg FFM, P<0.0001) and hyperinsulinemic in the fasted state and after glucose ingestion. Fasting plasma C-peptide levels (obese 1425+/-131 pmol/l vs lean 550+/-63 pmol/l; P<0.0001) decreased less during the clamp in the obese groups (-16.9+/-6.9% vs -43.0+/-5.6% relative to fasting values; P=0.007). In the lean group, the C-peptide decrease during the clamp (percentage variation) was related to insulin sensitivity, M/FFM (r=0.56, P=0.03), even after adjustment for the clamp glucose variation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in lean subjects, insulin inhibits its own secretion, and this may be related to insulin sensibility. This response is blunted in morbidly obese patients and may have a role in the pathogenesis of fasting hyperinsulinemia in these patients.     

Insulin secretion after short- and long-term low-grade free fatty acid infusion in men with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

We studied the effect of a low-grade short- and long-term 20% Intralipid infusion (0.4 mL(-1) x kg(-1) x h(-1)) on insulin secretion and insulin action in 15 elderly obese men; 7 glucose intolerant first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients (impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] relatives) and 8 healthy controls of similar age and body mass index (BMI). Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and a graded glucose infusion (dose-response test [DORE]) were performed to determine first phase insulin response and to explore the dose response relationship between glucose concentration and insulin secretion rates (ISR). ISR were calculated by deconvolution of plasma C-peptide concentrations. Insulin action was determined by performing a 120-minute hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. All tests were performed 3 times, preceded by 0, 2, or 24 hours Intralipid infusion. Disposition indices (DI) were calculated for the IVGTT. Insulin action was reduced 25% after 2 and 24 hours Intralipid infusion in both groups. In IGT relatives, the beta-cell responsiveness to glucose (measured during DORE) decreased after 2 and 24 hours Intralipid infusion (P=.02), whereas first phase insulin response (measured during IVGTT) decreased after 24 hours Intralipid infusion. Insulin secretion measured during DORE and IVGTT was not affected by Intralipid infusion in controls. DI decreased after 2 and 24 hours Intralipid infusion in the total study population. In conclusion, insulin resistance induced by low-grade short- and long-term Intralipid infusion is not balanced by an adequate compensatory increase in insulin secretion in IGT relatives or in matched controls. IGT relatives appear to be more sensitive to the deleterious effects of low-grade fat infusion on insulin secretion than normal glucose tolerant control subjects.     

Evidence against a rate-limiting role of proinsulin processing for maximal insulin secretion in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and beta-cell dysfunction

In subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) insulin secretion is impaired. Increased proinsulin/insulin (PI/I) ratios suggest that there is also reduced processing of proinsulin to insulin in this condition. The PI/I ratio in the insulin secretory granule is ideally assessed by plasma measurements in response to acute stimulation of insulin secretion. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that maximal stimulation of insulin secretion results in exhaustion of the proinsulin conversion pathway to insulin. We therefore determined the PI/I ratio in 11 normal glucose-tolerant subjects (NGT) and 11 subjects with IGT in response to glucose (squarewave hyperglycemic clamp, 10 mmol/L), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1; primed-continuous infusion), and arginine given during the continued GLP-1 infusion. In IGT, insulin levels were significantly lower during the first phase (144 +/- 20 vs. 397 +/- 119 pmol/L; P = 0.02), at the end of the GLP infusion (2142 +/- 350 vs. 5430 +/- 1091 pmol/L; P: = 0.002), and in response to arginine (3983 +/- 375 vs. 8663 +/- 1430 pmol/L; P = 0.005). In response to glucose, the minimum PI/I ratio was significantly higher in IGT (3.4 +/- 0.6%) than in NGT (1.4 +/- 0.5%; P = 0.02), suggesting defective proinsulin processing in this condition. In subjects with IGT, the PI/I ratio decreased significantly after GLP-1 priming (1.7 +/- 0.2%; P = 0.02) and after arginine given during GLP-1 (1.4 +/- 0.2%; P = 0.007) and was not significantly different from those values in NGT (1.3 +/- 0.2% and 1.3 +/- 0.2%, respectively; both P = NS). In conclusion, during maximal stimulation of insulin secretion in subjects with IGT, the PI/I ratio in plasma decreased significantly and was not different from that in normal controls. This strongly argues against the hypothesis that defective processing of proinsulin to insulin represents a major component of the beta-cell dysfunction in IGT.     

Increased insulin sensitivity is associated with reduced insulin and glucagon secretion and increased insulin clearance in man

Insulin secretion is increased in insulin resistance. In this study, we examined whether high insulin sensitivity results in low insulin secretion. Twelve male master athletes [age 25.6 +/- 4.1 (mean +/- SD) yr] and seven male sedentary students (age 25.0 +/- 2.0 yr) underwent a hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp and a glucose-dependent arginine stimulation test. Athletes had high insulin sensitivity [230 +/- 18 vs. 92 +/- 12 (nmol glucose/kg.min)/(pmol insulin/liter), P < 0.001] and low insulin response to arginine (at fasting glucose 135 +/- 22 vs. 394 +/- 60 pmol/liter, P < 0.001), which resulted in unaltered disposition index (32.8 +/- 3.8 vs. 33.5 +/- 3.3 micro mol glucose/kg.min, NS). Also, the C-peptide response to arginine was reduced (at fasting glucose 0.71 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.89 +/- 0.09 nmol/liter, P = 0.034). However, the C-peptide reduction was not as large as the insulin reduction yielding increased disposition index in athletes when calculated from C-peptide data (184 +/- 9 vs. 76 +/- 11 micro mol glucose/kg.min, P < 0.001). This difference is explained by increased insulin clearance among the athletes during the first 5 min after arginine (81.1% +/- 1.8% vs. 53.6% +/- 4.7%, P < 0.001). Also, the glucagon response to arginine was reduced in the athletes (58.8 +/- 6.7 vs. 90.1 +/- 9.9 ng/liter at fasting glucose, P = 0.009). We conclude that high insulin sensitivity results in low islet hormone secretion and increased insulin clearance.     

Influence of rosiglitazone treatment on beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: evidence of an increased ability of glucose to entrain high-frequency insulin pulsatility

Thiazolidinediones have well-established insulin-sensitizing effects. Their impact on insulin secretion is less clarified. Consequently, we sought to determine potential effects of a thiazolidinedione (rosiglitazone) on the beta-cell function. Twenty type 2 diabetic individuals were randomized to receive rosiglitazone (rosi) 4 mg twice daily or placebo (pla) for 13 wk. Before treatment and at the end of the treatment period, the patients underwent an iv glucose tolerance test (0.3 g/kg), a hyperglycemic (15 mmol/liter) clamp with arginine (5 g) stimulation, assessment of baseline high-frequency insulin pulsatility, and glucose-entrained insulin pulsatility (6 mg/kg.min every 10 min), and a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Fasting plasma glucose was reduced (pla, 8.2 +/- 2.1 vs. 8.8 +/- 2.6 mmol/liter; rosi, 8.6 +/- 7.1 vs. 7.1 +/- 1.2 mmol/liter; P < 0.01), and insulin sensitivity was increased by rosiglitazone treatment (M value: pla, 5.3 +/- 1.8 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.6 mg/kg.min; rosi, 5.9 +/- 2.2 vs. 7.4 +/- 1.3 mg/kg.min; P = 0.05). First-phase insulin secretion and insulin secretory capacity were unaffected. Glucose-entrained insulin secretion was increased as assessed by spectral power analysis (P = 0.05). In conclusion, rosiglitazone treatment for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients exerts no action on insulin secretion per se. Improved glucose-entrained high-frequency insulin pulsatility suggests an increased ability of the beta-cell to sense and respond to glucose changes within the physiological range.     

Obesity and insulin resistance in humans: a dose-response study

Insulin-mediated glucose metabolism (euglycemic insulin clamp at plasma insulin concentration of 100 microU/mL) and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (hyperglycemic clamp) were examined in 42 obese subjects (ideal body weight [IBW], 158 +/- 4%) with normal glucose tolerance and in 36 normal weight (IBW, 102% +/- 1%) age-matched controls. In 10 obese and eight control subjects, insulin was infused at six rates to increase plasma insulin concentration by approximately 10, 20, 40, 80, 2,000, and 20,000 microU/mL. Throughout the physiologic range of plasma insulin concentrations, both the increase in total body glucose uptake and the suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) were significantly impaired in the obese group (P less than .001 to .01). At the two highest plasma insulin concentrations, inhibition of HGP and the stimulation of glucose disposal were similar in both the obese and control groups. Insulin secretion during the hyperglycemic (+/- 125 mg/dL) clamp was twofold greater in obese subjects than in controls (P less than .01) and was inversely related to the rate of glucose uptake during the insulin clamp (r = -.438, P less than .05), but was still unable to normalize glucose disposal (P less than .05). In conclusion, our results indicate that insulin resistance is a common accompaniment of obesity and can be overcome at supraphysiological insulin concentrations. Both in the basal state and following a hyperglycemic stimulus obese people display hyperinsulinemia, which correlates with the degree of insulin resistance. However, endogenous hyperinsulinemia fails to fully compensate for the insulin resistance.     

Differential effects of prolonged hyperglycemia on in vivo and in vitro insulin secretion in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 48-h glucose (30% wt/vol) infusion in unrestrained catheterized healthy rats (HG) on subsequent in vivo and in vitro insulin response to glucose. High hyperglycemia (400-450 mg/dl) and resulting hyperinsulinemia (1.2 +/- 0.1 mU/ml vs. 0.15 +/- 0.03 mU/ml in controls) were maintained throughout the infusion period. Glucose-induced insulin secretion was examined in vivo 3 h after the end of infusion by performing either a glucose tolerance test or a hyperglycemic clamp (225 mg/dl for 60 min). In addition, in vivo insulin secretion was studied on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after the end of glucose infusion by performing glucose tolerance tests. Insulin secretion was also investigated in vitro, using the isolated perfused pancreas technique, 3 h and 1 day post glucose infusion. During glucose tolerance tests and hyperglycemic clamps performed at 3 h, insulin secretion was much greater in HG rats than in controls, and remained increased until day 5. By contrast, when studied in vitro 3 h after the end of the infusion, glucose-induced insulin release from isolated perfused pancreases was impaired in HG rats as compared with controls, and the insulin response to arginine was dramatically increased. However, insulin secretion in vitro returned partially to normal after day 1. These data indicate that prolonged hyperglycemia has quite different effects on the subsequent insulin secretion in vivo or in vitro. It impairs, but reversibly, glucose-induced insulin secretion in vitro, whereas it increases it durably in vivo. This suggests that humoral and/or nervous interferences can counterbalance the possible perturbing effects of prolonged hyperglycemia on the normal B cell responsiveness to glucose.     

Fetal growth and insulin secretion in adult life

Summary Recent studies suggest that NIDDM is linked with reduced fetal and infant growth. Observations on malnourished infants and studies of experimental animals exposed to protein energy or protein deficiency in fetal or early neonatal life suggest that the basis of this link could lie in the detrimental effects of poor early nutrition on the development of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. To test this hypothesis we have measured insulin secretion following an IVGTT in a sample of 82 normoglycaemic and 23 glucose intolerant subjects who were born in Preston, England, and whose birthweight and body size had been recorded at birth. The subjects with impaired glucose tolerance had lower first phase insulin secretion than the normoglycaemic subjects (mean plasma insulin concentrations 3 min after intravenous glucose 416 vs 564 pmol/l, p=0.04). Insulin secretion was higher in men than women (601 vs 457 pmol/l, P=0.02) and correlated with fasting insulin level (p=0.04). However, there was no relationship between insulin secretion and the measurements of prenatal growth in either the normoglycaemic or glucose intolerant subjects. These results argue against a major role for defective insulin secretion as a cause of glucose intolerance in adults who were growth retarded in pre-natal life.Abbreviations NIDDM Non-insulin-dependent diabetes - OGTT oral glucose tolerance test - IVGTT intravenous glucose tolerance test     

Metformin therapy in obese adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome and impaired glucose tolerance: amelioration of exaggerated adrenal response to adrenocorticotropin with reduction of insulinemia/insulin resistance

Functional adrenal hyperandrogenism occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Insulin, similar to its ovarian effect, may impact the regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis by modulating the activity of P450c17alpha, the rate-limiting enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. We previously demonstrated that obese adolescents with PCOS are severely insulin resistant and are at heightened risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that metformin therapy in obese adolescents with PCOS will attenuate the adrenal steroidogenic response to ACTH, with reduction of insulin resistance/insulinemia. Fifteen adolescents with PCOS and impaired glucose tolerance received 3 months of metformin (850 mg, twice daily) therapy. Pre- and posttherapy they had oral glucose tolerance testing, ACTH stimulation test, a 3-h hyperinsulinemic (80 mU/m(2).min)-euglycemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity and a hyperglycemic clamp to assess insulin secretion. After 3 months of metformin treatment, glucose intolerance improved, with eight subjects having normal glucose tolerance. Total and free T decreased [1.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.1 nmol/liter (P = 0.022) and 41.3 +/- 8.3 vs. 22.2 +/- 2.1 pmol/liter (P = 0.028), respectively]. Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal increased (21.5 +/- 2.2 vs. 25.0 +/- 2.2 micromol/kg.min; P = 0.041). Fasting insulin and oral glucose tolerance test insulin and glucose area under the curve decreased significantly. ACTH-stimulated increases in androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and 17-hydroxypregnenelone were lower after metformin treatment [2.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.3 nmol/liter (P = 0.014), 7.0 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.5 nmol/liter (P = 0.011), and 30.4 +/- 3.7 vs. 25.7 +/- 4.2 nmol/liter (P = 0.054)]. Fasting insulin correlated with the 17-hydroxypregnenelone response to ACTH stimulation (r = 0.52; P = 0.008). In summary, metformin treatment of obese adolescents with PCOS and impaired glucose tolerance is beneficial in improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, in lowering insulinemia, and in reducing elevated androgen levels. Moreover, metformin therapy is associated with attenuation of the adrenal steroidogenic response to ACTH. Metformin therapy was well tolerated. In conclusion, double blind, placebo-controlled studies will determine whether insulin-sensitizing therapy corrects not only ovarian hyperandrogenism but also functional adrenal hyperandrogenism in adolescents with PCOS.     

Estimates of in vivo insulin action in man: comparison of insulin tolerance tests with euglycemic and hyperglycemic glucose clamp studies

We compared estimates of in vivo insulin action derived from insulin tolerance tests (ITT) and euglycemic and hyperglycemic glucose clamp studies in 17 normal subjects and 19 patients with various diseases characterized by insulin resistance. Fifteen subjects underwent an ITT and a euglycemic clamp study, 17 subjects underwent an ITT and a hyperglycemic clamp study, and 4 subjects underwent all 3 tests. The ITT consisted of a bolus iv injection of regular insulin (0.1 U/kg BW). The plasma glucose disappearance rate during the 3- to 15-min period following the insulin injection was taken as a measure of insulin action. In both euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp studies, which were carried out with standard techniques, the ratio between the amount of glucose infused to maintain glycemia at the desired level and the mean plasma insulin concentration from 60-120 min (M) (euglycemic clamp studies) or 20-120 min (I) (hyperglycemic clamp studies) was used as a measure of insulin action. A close correlation was found between plasma glucose disappearance rate and the M/I ratio during either the euglycemic (r = 0.811; P less than 0.001) or the hyperglycemic (r = 0.826; P less than 0.001) clamp studies. These results suggest that the 15-min ITT is suitable as a simple and rapid estimation of in vivo insulin action when glucose clamp studies are not feasible, as in large series of subjects or serial studies.     

The relationship between first-phase insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.

A possible pathogenetic link between absence of first-phase insulin secretion and development of impaired glucose metabolism has been suggested by the results of several cross-sectional studies. First-phase insulin secretion measured during a +7 mmol/l hyperglycemic glucose clamp correlated with total glucose disposal during the clamp (r = 0.65, p < 0.001, N = 59). To examine whether restoration of first-phase insulin secretion improves peripheral glucose uptake in subjects with impaired glucose utilization, seven insulin-resistant subjects (age 54 (38-62) years: BMI 29.3 (21.7-35.8); fasting plasma glucose 5.5 (4.8-7.2) mmol/l; fasting insulin 57 (37-105) pmol/l with impaired first-phase (148 (29-587) vs controls 485 (326-1086) pmol/l x 10 min; p < 0.05) and normal second-phase (1604 (777-4480) vs controls (1799 (763-2771) pmol/l x 110 min) insulin secretion were restudied. The impaired first-phase insulin secretion was restored by an iv insulin bolus at the start of the hyperglycemic clamp. Substrate oxidation rates and hepatic glucose production were determined by indirect calorimetry and [3-3H]glucose infusion. Total glucose uptake was impaired in the insulin-resistant subjects with impaired first-phase insulin secretion compared to controls (18.8 (13.2-22.2) vs 34.8 (24.3-62.1) mumol.kg-1 x min-1; p < 0.01). Restoration of first-phase insulin secretion (1467 (746-2440) pmol/l x 10 min) did not affect glucose uptake (20.2 (9.9-23.8) mumol.kg-1.min-1), with no difference in oxidative and non-oxidative glucose metabolism between the experiments. Second-phase insulin secretion was similar during both experiments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

On the interplay beween insulin secretion and sensitivity as determinants of glucose tolerance

Both insulin secretion and sensitivity have been claimed to be the main characteristics in the determination of future detoriation in glucose tolerance. In this cross-sectional study insulin secretion and insulin sensiturity were determined in 228 subjects with varying degrees of glucose tolerance. Insulin secretion was measured in an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and insulin sensitivity by the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp test. Both the early insulin response in the IVGTT (increment) and the glucose disposal rate in the clamp test (M-value) were found to be related hyperbolically to fasting glucose (r=–0.63 and –0.66, respectively; bothP<0.0001) and in a second-order polynomial manner to the glucose disappearence rate (k-value) in the IVGTT (r=0.53 and 0.48, respectively; bothP<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed the insulin increment in the IVGTT and theM-value in the clamp test to be equally important determinants of glucose tolerance, together explaining about 50% of the variation in fasting glucose and thek-value in the IVGTT. In conclusion, in this cross-sectional study insulin secretion and sensitivity studied over a broad range of glucose tolerance were found to be of amost equal importance in the determination of glucose tolerance. However, low levels of insulin increment in the IVGTT were more often associated with glucose intolerance than was a low insulin sensitivity.