Evaluation of a new screening method for detecting peripheral arterial disease in a primary health care population of patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: To compare the ability to detect peripheral arterial disease between the traditional ankle Doppler technique for measuring ankle blood pressure and a new pulse oximetric method for measuring systolic toe pressure, in an unselected primary health care population with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The total population with the diagnosis diabetes mellitus in two primary health care districts was studied. The population was investigated by means of pulse palpation, ankle Doppler pressure, systolic toe pressure using a pulse oximetric method, arm blood pressures, neuropathy screening and laboratory tests. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included in the study. In these patients, 250 extremities were investigated. Systolic ankle Doppler pressure and ankle/arm pressure indices were found to be significantly higher than the pressures and indices achieved with the pulse oximetric method (158 +/- 44 vs. 117 +/- 33 mmHg, P < 0.0001, and 1.02 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.76 +/- 0.22, P < 0.0001). Thirty-one extremities with a systolic toe pressure < 80 mmHg were found. Twenty-one of these lacked a palpable pulse in the dorsal pedial or posterior tibial artery. The pulse oximetric method gave significantly more pathological indices (Doppler index < or = 0.8, pulse oximeter index < or = 0.6) (Doppler 36/250, pulse oximeter 58/250, P = 0.003). However, the Doppler method gave significantly more indices above 1.3 compared with the pulse oximetric method (33/250 vs. 2/250, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ankle Doppler pressure measurements overestimate peripheral arterial pressure in a typical primary health care population. In the screening situation, this new pulse oximetric toe pressure method seems to be valuable since it can be performed in out-patient clinics and handle large numbers of patients in a short time and avoid the problem of media sclerosis.

Successful treatment with plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporin A in type B syndrome of insulin resistance. Case report.

CASE HISTORY: A woman born in 1949 was diagnosed in 1990 with systemic lupus erythematosus. She was treated with prednisolone, and < 1 year later she presented with marked hyperglycemia. Large doses of insulin were given four times per day. Even though the patient was thin (BMI 17.4 kg/m2), very little improvement was seen. INVESTIGATIONS AND TREATMENT: Serum insulin levels were high, and a euglycemic clamp investigation confirmed severe insulin resistance. The patient's serum contained insulin receptor antibodies inhibiting insulin binding, and thus the patient had a type B syndrome of insulin resistance. After diet and exercise, glycemic control stabilized and insulin treatment was withdrawn. However, in late 1993 she was in a catabolic and hyperglycemic state even though prednisolone doses were increased and azathioprin was added. In early 1994 she was treated with plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide i.v. Subsequently, cyclosporin A was started as a maintenance therapy in addition to azathioprin. There was a rapid and sustained clinical improvement. Since late 1994 and onward, there is no sign of diabetes or glucose intolerance and there are no demonstrable insulin receptor antibodies in the patient's serum. DISCUSSION: Severe type B insulin resistance may respond favorably to treatment with plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide followed by cyclosporin A in combination with azathioprin.

The effect of metoprolol treatment on insulin sensitivity and diurnal plasma hormone levels in hypertensive subjects.

To evaluate the effect of metoprolol on insulin sensitivity and diurnal plasma hormone levels, seven mildly hypertensive subjects were investigated (four men and three women, age 52 +/- 8, body mass index 25.4 +.- 1.9, mean +/- SD). The study had a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design with 6 weeks' metoprolol treatment (100 mg b.i.d) vs. placebo. At the end of each treatment period 24-h blood samples were collected continuously for diurnal analysis of hormone levels and a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp combined with [3-3H]-D-glucose infusion was performed. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by means of three different methods: diurnal plasma insulin and glucose levels; glucose consumption; and insulin sensitivity index during euglycaemic clamp conditions. Fasting blood glucose and insulin concentrations as well as mean plasma diurnal levels of insulin, growth hormone, testosterone and cortisol were similar after placebo and metoprolol treatment, whereas noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were significantly increased after metoprolol. During the clamp, plasma insulin was significantly higher after metoprolol treatment than after placebo treatment (56 +/- 3 vs. 64 +/- 2 mU L(-1), P < 0.05). Consequently, the insulin sensitivity index [glucose infusion rate (GIR)/ plasma insulin] was lower after metoprolol treatment (16.1 +/- 2.6 vs. 10.2 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05), although GIR was not significantly changed. We suggest that the insulin sensitivity index may not accurately reflect the insulin effect as the plasma level of insulin was significantly increased during insulin infusion but not at 24 h, possibly because of alteration of distribution and/or degradation rate of exogenous insulin. Thus, the likelihood of metoprolol inducing insulin resistance in hypertensive subjects may be less than previously proposed.

A new non-invasive method using pulse oximetry for the assessment of arterial toe pressure.

We evaluated a novel, simple non-invasive method to assess systolic arterial toe pressures (ATP). It was employed in 63 subjects, of which 37 had suspected or established lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) and 26 did not. 48 of the subjects had diabetes and 15 were non-diabetic. Pulsatile toe blood flow was monitored with a regular pulse oximeter (Biox 3700TM, BOC Ohmeda, Helsingborg, Sweden) (POX) with the sensor on the tip of the great toe. A small blood pressure cuff was placed around the proximal part of the toe and was connected to a sphygmomanometer (TycosTM, Levimed AB, Höganäs, Sweden). Systolic pressure was estimated as the cuff pressure at which pulsatile blood flow ceased during cuff inflation. Toe pressure measurement was obtained, in parallel, using the established strain gauge plethysmographic technique. There was a good concordance between the two methods (linear regression: r = 0.93; y = 1.1 x x-6.4; y = pressure obtained with the pulse oximeter, x = pressure obtained with strain gauge, in mmHg). However, patients with very low systolic toe pressures, < 20 mmHg, could not be reproducibly assessed using the POX method. In conclusion, the POX method was found to be a simple and reliable method for the estimation of systolic toe pressures, at least for those above the severely ischemic level. It may provide an easily accessible and cost-effective means of vascular assessment at the bedside, as well as for out-patients.

Characterization of the insulin-antagonistic effect of growth hormone in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

To characterize its insulin-antagonistic effect, growth hormone (GH) was infused at variable rates (24, 12 or 6 mU kg-1 min-1) for 1 h in 7 IDDM patients. Saline infusion was used as control (C) and all patients participated in all studies. The effect of insulin was measured with the euglycaemic clamp technique for 6 h combined with d-(3-3H)-glucose to evaluate glucose turnover. The insulin levels during the clamps were similar in all studies (23 +/- 3 mU l-1). The infusions produced peak GH levels of (24 rate = 24) 157 +/- 11, (12 rate = 12) 76 +/- 7, and (6 rate = 6) 45 +/- 8 mU l-1 (mean +/- SEM). The insulin-antagonistic effect of GH on glucose uptake was seen after 2 h and was at a maximum 4 to 5 h after the start of the GH infusion (difference in glucose infusion rate between C and 24 was 1.7 +/- 0.4 mg kg-1 min-1, p < 0.01). The resistance was due to a less pronounced effect of insulin to both inhibit rate of appearance and to stimulate rate of disappearance. Infusion of GH at 12 mU kg-1 min-1 induced a less pronounced insulin resistance both with regards to maximal effect (glucose infusion rate C - GH 1.4 +/- 0.5 mg kg-1 min-1, p < 0.05) and duration (3 h). At 6 mU kg-1 min-1, a clear GH-induced insulin-antagonistic effect was only seen during the third hour of the clamp (glucose infusion rate C-GH 1.3 +/- 0.5 mg kg-1 min-1, p < 0.05). GH infusion impaired the effect of insulin to lower both the levels of free fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol between 2 and 5 h after the start of the infusion (NEFA, C:110 +/- 29, 24:303 +/- 95, p < 0.05: glycerol, C:32 +/- 4, 24:50 +/- 7 mumol l-1, p < 0.05). The present study therefore demonstrates that the insulin-antagonistic effect of GH in IDDM is related to the plasma levels both with regard to duration and response. The results also indicate that GH impairs the effect of insulin on lipolysis in IDDM after physiological peaks.

Growth hormone-deficient adults are insulin-resistant.

Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) have traditionally been described as having increased insulin sensitivity with a tendency toward fasting hypoglycemia, at least in children. In other studies, impaired glucose tolerance has been found. To evaluate basal insulin sensitivity, a hyperinsulinemic, normoglycemic clamp was performed with an insulin rate of 40 mU/m2/min after an overnight fast. Fifteen patients (four women and 11 men aged 20 to 62 years) with GHD for at least 1 year were compared with 15 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Thirteen patients had complete pituitary deficiency and were being treated with conventional hormone replacement therapy. Two men had isolated GHD since childhood. Four men were being treated with bromocriptin. There were no significant differences between fasting blood glucose (4.4 +/- 0.1 v 4.7 +/- 0.2 [mean +/- SEM] mmol/L) or fasting plasma insulin (9.5 +/- 1.4 v 8.8 +/- 1.1 mU/L) in patients and controls, respectively. Fasting free fatty acid (FFA) levels were lower in patients (444 +/- 35 v 796 +/- 94 mumol/L, P < .01). Blood glucose levels during the clamp were similar (4.6 +/- 0.1 v 4.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/L), as were insulin levels (81 +/- 4 v 93 +/- 4 mU/L). A decrease in glucose infusion rate (GIR) was seen during the clamp in GHD subjects (3.9 +/- 0.5 v 9.9 +/- 0.7 mg/kg body weight/min) as compared with controls (P = .001). Even if corrections were made for body fat, there was a significant difference (GIR corrected per lean body mass, 5.8 +/- 0.8 v 13.9 +/- 0.9 mg/kg lean body mass/min, P < .001). The results suggest that adults with GHD are insulin-resistant. Despite this finding, normal fasting plasma insulin levels were seen.

Hyperinsulinaemia impairs gastrointestinal motility and slows carbohydrate absorption.

Experimental euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia (insulin levels 46 +/- 4 mU/l) impaired the post-absorptive gastrointestinal motility in healthy individuals; the effect being particularly pronounced in the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach and proximal duodenum). The postprandial gastric emptying, measured with a standardized 99mTc labelled meal, was also significantly delayed (t50 increased by 38% or 32 min). This was combined with a slower carbohydrate absorption (delay in peak blood glucose level about 40 min). Furthermore, during experimental hyperinsulinaemia higher blood glucose levels were seen at 120 min than at 60 min after food ingestion. This was not seen in any subject in the control study where only 0.9% NaCl was infused. Blood levels of the motility-stimulating hormone, motilin, were significantly lower during experimental hyperinsulinaemia. Thus, experimental hyperinsulinaemia impairs the gastrointestinal motility in both the postabsorptive and postprandial states. This effect is combined with a delayed carbohydrate absorption. Hyperinsulinaemia per se may thus lead to alterations in carbohydrate absorption and can also contribute to the gastrointestinal disturbances in diabetes.

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Effects of hyperglycaemia and insulin.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of 44 h of hyperglycaemia on diurnal levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH) and glucagon in 7 well-controlled subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Hyperglycaemia (approximately 15 mmol/l) was induced by a glucose infusion, while the degree of insulinisation was similar to that of a corresponding period with near normoglycaemia (approximately 6.9 mmol/l). Hyperglycaemia for 44 h did not alter the normal diurnal IGFBP-1 levels when the degree of insulinisation was unchanged. The diurnal secretion pattern of IGFBP-1 was preserved in both genders and without any difference between the control and hyperglycaemic periods. However, the IGFBP-1 levels were increased in these IDDM subjects despite a peripheral hyperinsulinemia. An inverse correlation was found between IGFBP-1 and peripheral insulin levels both during periods of rapid changes in IGFBP-1 and insulin concentrations (i.e. morning hours) as well as during the total 24-h sampling period. Total IGF-1 levels were low, but no further decrease was seen after 24 h of hyperglycaemia in the presence of unchanged insulin levels. In conclusion, the present study clearly shows that the increased IGFBP-1 level seen during poor metabolic control in IDDM is not caused by hyperglycaemia. Glucose levels per se do not influence either total IGF-1 or IGFBP-1 concentrations in well-insulinised diabetic patients.

Insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity after short-term amiloride in healthy subjects.

We have evaluated the short-term effects of amiloride on insulin action in vivo, since amiloride is known to impair insulin action in vitro. Seven healthy subjects were treated according to a randomized, double-blind, cross-over protocol. The treatment periods were 3 days each with amiloride 15 mg daily and placebo. Insulin action on glucose turnover was assessed directly after each treatment period with the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp technique. At the two insulin concentrations studied (approximately 30 mU.l-1 and approximately 200 mU.l-1), the glucose infusion rate required to maintain constant euglycaemia did not differ after either amiloride or placebo. The rates of glucose production and utilization were also similar, whereas the so-called insulin sensitivity index at the lower insulin concentration was significantly reduced (by about 15%) after amiloride. Moreover, amiloride produced significantly higher fasting insulin and C-peptide concentrations, whereas fasting glucose and NEFA concentrations were unaltered. In conclusion, these data suggest that short-term amiloride slightly impairs insulin sensitivity with respect to glucose uptake. However, overall glucose homoeostasis does not appear to be affected, probably due to a compensatory rise in plasma insulin.

Effects of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in adults with growth hormone deficiency.

In a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial, the effect of 26 weeks of replacement therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in nine patients with adult-onset growth hormone deficiency was studied with a euglycemic clamp. Glucose production and utilization were studied with D-(3-3H)-glucose infusions. Comparisons were made with placebo treatment for 6 and 26 weeks, respectively. GH therapy for 6 weeks increased fasting plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin. However, after 26 weeks of GH treatment, no significant changes in glucose or insulin concentrations were recorded. GH treatment induced a marked change in insulin action evident after 6 weeks of therapy as shown by lower glucose infusion rates (GIRs) during the clamp compared with placebo treatment (2.6 +/- 0.4 v 4.1 +/- 0.7 mg.kg-1.min-1). This change in insulin action was due to a decreased insulin effect on glucose utilization. After 26 weeks of GH therapy, there was no significant difference in GIRs. During placebo treatment, insulin sensitivity and insulin, glucose, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were unchanged compared with concentrations measured before the study. Thus GH replacement therapy induces a change in insulin action in GH-deficient individuals. Whether this change represents a decrease in insulin action (ie, insulin resistance) or a restoration of action to normal is presently unclear, since a healthy control group was not included in the study. During long-term treatment, the present study suggests that the change in insulin action can be reversed, probably secondarily to changes in body composition.

Measurement by microdialysis of the insulin concentration in subcutaneous interstitial fluid. Importance of the endothelial barrier for insulin.

To evaluate the interstitial insulin and inulin concentrations, 20-min microdialysis samples from the abdominal subcutaneous tissue were obtained by using two 45-mm polypropylene dialyzing tubes (o.d. approximately 0.5 mm, pore size 0.2 micron) during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic (120 mU.m-2 x min-1) clamp (n = 9) or during a constant inulin infusion (n = 5). After in situ calibration of the microdialysis catheters during steady-state conditions, interstitial and plasma insulin concentrations were estimated to 654 +/- 102 and 1176 +/- 66 pM, respectively, i.e., a 44% difference (P < 0.001). A doubling of the insulin infusion rate (240 mU.m-2 x m-1), leading to supraphysiological plasma insulin levels, raised the interstitial insulin concentrations markedly slower (approximately 20 min) than in plasma. Moreover, at steady state the concentration difference in the two compartments prevailed even during the high insulin infusion rate (55% difference, P < 0.01). In contrast, the interstitial inulin levels were similar to the plasma concentrations in subjects given a constant inulin infusion. Thus, the data suggest the presence of an endothelial barrier for insulin in the subcutaneous tissue. This barrier, in combination with tissue clearance of insulin, leads to lower insulin levels and altered kinetics with a slower rise in the interstitial fluid compared with plasma.

Smoking induces insulin resistance--a potential link with the insulin resistance syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The acute effect of smoking and snuffing on insulin sensitivity was studied in a group of healthy habitual smokers. DESIGN: The euglycaemic clamp technique was combined with the subcutaneous injection of a bolus (0.1 U kg-1) of fast-acting insulin (Actrapid). Randomized subjects smoked either one cigarette per hour for 6 h, took one bag-packed snuff per hour for 6 h or refrained from nicotine for 48 h before as well as during the clamp. SUBJECTS: Seven healthy smokers, four females and three males, of normal weight (BMI, mean +/- SEM, 21 +/- 0.7 kg m-2 with a range of 18.6-23.9), aged 31 +/- 2 years (range 24-35 years), who had consumed at least 20 cigarettes per day for at least 5 years were studied. They were recruited through an advertisement in a newspaper. RESULTS: The steady-state plasma nicotine levels were similar during smoking and snuffing. The insulin and glucose levels were also similar during all three clamps. Smoking, but not snuffing, impaired insulin action (P < 0.05) mainly due to a lower peripheral glucose uptake. The mean growth hormone levels during the 6-h study were more than doubled during smoking (P < 0.01) while no significant differences were seen in the other counter-regulatory hormones. CONCLUSION: Smoking (also in habitual smokers) acutely impairs insulin action and leads to insulin resistance. Thus, smoking can be of importance for the development of the insulin resistance syndrome associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.

Effect of prolonged hyperglycemia on growth hormone levels and insulin sensitivity in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of a hyperglycemic period (44 hours) on the levels of insulin-antagonistic hormones and insulin sensitivity in seven subjects with well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Hyperglycemia (approximately 15 mmol.L-1) was induced by a glucose infusion while the degree of insulinization was similar to that of the period with near normoglycemia (approximately 6.9 mmol.L-1). Insulin sensitivity was measured with hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps performed 4 hours before and after the periods of normoglycemia (control) and hyperglycemia. D-[3-3H]glucose was infused in the second clamp in each study to evaluate glucose production and utilization. Since growth hormone (GH) levels frequently are elevated during poor diabetic control, diurnal GH secretion was measured in blood samples continuously drawn for 24 hours during the euglycemic and hyperglycemic periods. Levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, and nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFA) were similar during the control and hyperglycemic periods and during the clamps. GH levels were also similar, but an abnormal diurnal secretion pattern was present with increased numbers of daytime peaks. Hyperglycemia did not reduce GH secretion in IDDM. Hyperglycemia for 44 hours induced insulin resistance (32% reduction of glucose infusion rate, P < .02). In the control study, a 21% reduction (P = .064, NS) of the glucose disposal rate (Rd) was seen, suggesting that the hospitalization period per se may also reduce insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, a period of hyperglycemia leads to insulin resistance in IDDM patients. This insulin resistance cannot be attributable to increased levels of insulin-antagonistic hormones, although an abnormal secretion pattern for GH was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Insulin-antagonistic effects of pulsatile and continuous glucagon infusions in man--a comparison with the effect of adrenaline.

The insulin-antagonistic effects of pulsatile (3 min pulses every 20 min) and continuous glucagon infusions were studied over 4 h with the euglycemic clamp technique in healthy subjects. Comparisons were made to the effect of a continuous adrenaline infusion. Glucose production and utilization were evaluated with D-3-3H-glucose and somatostatin was used in all studies to inhibit the endogenous release of insulin and glucagon. The amount of glucagon given during the pulsatile infusions (27% of that during continuous infusion) was adjusted so that the peak glucagon levels were the same as during the continuous infusion (372 +/- 22 and 365 +/- 20 ng/L, respectively). The insulin-antagonistic effects of pulsatile and continuous glucagon infusions were similar during the first hour and imparied the insulin effect with 44 +/- 8 and 47 +/- 6%, respectively. However, when infused continuously, the effect of glucagon declined rapidly, whereas the effect of a pulsatile infusion decreased more slowly and was evident for 3 h. Raising the glucagon level 4-fold restored the insulin-antagonistic effect again suggesting that the cells had become desensitized. In contrast, the insulin-antagonistic effect of adrenaline was persistent throughout the 4 h of the study and impaired insulin action with 54 +/- 2%. The effects of pulsatile and continuous glucagon infusions were entirely due to the stimulation of glucose production while that of adrenaline mainly was due to inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake. In conclusion, the acute stimulatory effect of glucagon on glucose production is transient but it is better maintained when given as intermittent pulses rather than as a continuous infusion. In contrast, the insulin-antagonistic effect of adrenaline on glucose uptake is persistent for at least 4 h.

Characterization of the insulin-antagonistic effect of growth hormone in man.

The insulin-antagonistic effect of growth hormone was characterized by infusing the hormone at three different infusion rates (6, 12 or 24 mU.kg-1.min-1) for one h in 11 healthy subjects. The insulin effect was measured with the euglycaemic clamp technique combined with D-(3-3H)-glucose infusion to evaluate glucose production and utilization. A control study with NaCl (154 mmol.l-1) infusion was also performed. The insulin levels during the clamps were similar in all studies (36 +/- 0.2 mU.l-1). Peak growth hormone levels were reached at 60 min (growth hormone 6 mU.kg-1.h-1: 31 +/- 5; growth hormone 12 mU.kg-1.h-1: 52 +/- 4 and growth hormone 24 mU.kg-1.h-1; 102 +/- 8 mU.l-1). The insulin-antagonistic effect of growth hormone started after approximately 2 h, was maximal after 4-5 h (approximately 39% inhibition of glucose infusion rate between control and growth hormone 24 mU.kg-1.h-1) and lasted for 6-7 h after peak levels. The resistance was due to a less pronounced insulin effect both to inhibit glucose production and to stimulate glucose utilization. Growth hormone infusion of 12 mU.kg-1.h-1 induced a similar insulin-antagonistic effect as the higher infusion rate whereas 6 mU.kg-1.h-1 induced a smaller response with a duration of 1 h between 3-4 h after peak levels of growth hormone. The present study demonstrates that growth hormone levels similar to those frequently seen in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients during poor metabolic control or hypoglycaemia, have pronounced insulin-antagonistic effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of the late posthypoglycemic insulin resistance in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The insulin effect (6.5 to 7.5 hours) following hypoglycemia was studied with the euglycemic clamp technique in eight patients with insulin-dependent diabeteses mellitus (IDDM). The results were compared with a control study with the same insulin infusion, but where hypoglycemia was prevented by a glucose infusion. Glucose production (Ra) and utilization (Rd) were evaluated with D-(3-3H) glucose infusion. Hypoglycemia (glucose nadir, 1.5 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) caused a marked increase in cortisol and growth hormone, whereas the release of adrenaline and, in particular, glucagon was low. The plasma free insulin levels were similar in the studies, including during the clamp periods. The glucose infusion rates (GIR) were significantly lower after the hypoglycemia as compared with the control study (control, 2.4 +/- 0.3; hypoglycemia, 1.5 +/- 0.3 mg/kg x min; P less than .05). Thus, hypoglycemia induces prolonged insulin resistance. The posthypoglycemic insulin resistance during a moderate hyperinsulinemic (approximately 30 mU/L) clamp was mainly due to a decreased insulin effect on glucose utilization (control, 2.9 +/- 0.2; hypoglycemia, 2.2 +/- 0.2 mg/kg x min; P less than .02), whereas the insulin effect on glucose production was not significantly different after hypoglycemia.

Postprandial hyperglycaemia following a morning hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The occurrence of hyperglycaemia following a morning hypoglycaemic episode was studied in nine patients with Type 1 diabetes. Each patient was studied twice, once following induced hypoglycaemia and once in a control study when hypoglycaemia was prevented by glucose infusion. After the initial hypoglycaemic/control period the patients were maintained on their regular insulin regimens and were given standard meals. Hypoglycaemia induced postprandial hyperglycaemia (3.1 +/- 0.8 mmol l-1 above control) which lasted for about 8 h. Maximal growth hormone levels were seen 40 min after glucose nadir (control 7.8 +/- 3.2, hypoglycaemia 74.0 +/- 12.3 mU l-1) and the magnitude of the hyperglycaemia was related to the growth hormone levels following the hypoglycaemia (r = 0.80, p less than 0.01).

Combined effect of growth hormone and cortisol on late posthypoglycemic insulin resistance in humans.

The occurrence and mechanisms for late (6.5- to 7.5-h) posthypoglycemic insulin resistance were studied with the euglycemic clamp in 19 healthy subjects. Comparisons were made with a control study with the same insulin infusion rate but where hypoglycemia was prevented by glucose infusion. Glucose production and utilization were studied with D-[3-3H] glucose infusions. Hypoglycemia induced marked insulin resistance shown by lower glucose infusion rates compared with the control study 3.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.0 +/- 0.7 mg.kg-1.min-1, P less than .001). This late posthypoglycemic insulin resistance was mainly due to a decreased insulin effect on glucose utilization. Infusion of propranolol did not prevent insulin resistance, whereas somatostatin partially prevented its appearance. Somatostatin plus metyrapone completely normalized posthypoglycemic insulin resistance. A positive correlation (r = .72, P less than .001) was found between initial insulin sensitivity and percent reduction of the insulin effect after hypoglycemia. Thus, hypoglycemia is followed by prolonged (6- to 8-h) insulin resistance. In contrast to early-phase (2- to 3-h) resistance, long-term resistance is not due to beta-adrenergic stimulation but to the combined effect of growth hormone and cortisol. This resistance is also more pronounced in subjects with initially high insulin sensitivity.