Insulin secretion, obesity, and potential behavioral influences: results from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS)

Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with intermediate hyperglycaemia

BACKGROUND

Intermediate hyperglycaemia (IH) is characterised by one or more measurements of elevated blood glucose concentrations, such as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and elevated glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). These levels are higher than normal but below the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The reduced threshold of 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) fasting plasma glucose (FPG) for defining IFG, introduced by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in 2003, substantially increased the prevalence of IFG. Likewise, the lowering of the HbA1c threshold from 6.0% to 5.7% by the ADA in 2010 could potentially have significant medical, public health and socioeconomic impacts.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the overall prognosis of people with IH for developing T2DM, regression from IH to normoglycaemia and the difference in T2DM incidence in people with IH versus people with normoglycaemia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, ClincialTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal up to December 2016 and updated the MEDLINE search in February 2018. We used several complementary search methods in addition to a Boolean search based on analytical text mining.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included prospective cohort studies investigating the development of T2DM in people with IH. We used standard definitions of IH as described by the ADA or World Health Organization (WHO). We excluded intervention trials and studies on cohorts with additional comorbidities at baseline, studies with missing data on the transition from IH to T2DM, and studies where T2DM incidence was evaluated by documents or self-report only.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One review author extracted study characteristics, and a second author checked the extracted data. We used a tailored version of the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool for assessing risk of bias. We pooled incidence and incidence rate ratios (IRR) using a random-effects model to account for between-study heterogeneity. To meta-analyse incidence data, we used a method for pooling proportions. For hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) of IH versus normoglycaemia, reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI), we obtained standard errors from these CIs and performed random-effects meta-analyses using the generic inverse-variance method. We used multivariable HRs and the model with the greatest number of covariates. We evaluated the certainty of the evidence with an adapted version of the GRADE framework.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 103 prospective cohort studies. The studies mainly defined IH by IFG5.6 (FPG mmol/L 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L or 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL), IFG6.1 (FPG 6.1 mmol/L to 6.9 mmol/L or 110 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL), IGT (plasma glucose 7.8 mmol/L to 11.1 mmol/L or 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL two hours after a 75 g glucose load on the oral glucose tolerance test, combined IFG and IGT (IFG/IGT), and elevated HbA1c (HbA1c5.7: HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% or 39 mmol/mol to 46 mmol/mol; HbA1c6.0: HbA1c 6.0% to 6.4% or 42 mmol/mol to 46 mmol/mol). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 24 years. Ninety-three studies evaluated the overall prognosis of people with IH measured by cumulative T2DM incidence, and 52 studies evaluated glycaemic status as a prognostic factor for T2DM by comparing a cohort with IH to a cohort with normoglycaemia. Participants were of Australian, European or North American origin in 41 studies; Latin American in 7; Asian or Middle Eastern in 50; and Islanders or American Indians in 5. Six studies included children and/or adolescents.Cumulative incidence of T2DM associated with IFG5.6, IFG6.1, IGT and the combination of IFG/IGT increased with length of follow-up. Cumulative incidence was highest with IFG/IGT, followed by IGT, IFG6.1 and IFG5.6. Limited data showed a higher T2DM incidence associated with HbA1c6.0 compared to HbA1c5.7. We rated the evidence for overall prognosis as of moderate certainty because of imprecision (wide CIs in most studies). In the 47 studies reporting restitution of normoglycaemia, regression ranged from 33% to 59% within one to five years follow-up, and from 17% to 42% for 6 to 11 years of follow-up (moderate-certainty evidence).Studies evaluating the prognostic effect of IH versus normoglycaemia reported different effect measures (HRs, IRRs and ORs). Overall, the effect measures all indicated an elevated risk of T2DM at 1 to 24 years of follow-up. Taking into account the long-term follow-up of cohort studies, estimation of HRs for time-dependent events like T2DM incidence appeared most reliable. The pooled HR and the number of studies and participants for different IH definitions as compared to normoglycaemia were: IFG5.6: HR 4.32 (95% CI 2.61 to 7.12), 8 studies, 9017 participants; IFG6.1: HR 5.47 (95% CI 3.50 to 8.54), 9 studies, 2818 participants; IGT: HR 3.61 (95% CI 2.31 to 5.64), 5 studies, 4010 participants; IFG and IGT: HR 6.90 (95% CI 4.15 to 11.45), 5 studies, 1038 participants; HbA1c5.7: HR 5.55 (95% CI 2.77 to 11.12), 4 studies, 5223 participants; HbA1c6.0: HR 10.10 (95% CI 3.59 to 28.43), 6 studies, 4532 participants. In subgroup analyses, there was no clear pattern of differences between geographic regions. We downgraded the evidence for the prognostic effect of IH versus normoglycaemia to low-certainty evidence due to study limitations because many studies did not adequately adjust for confounders. Imprecision and inconsistency required further downgrading due to wide 95% CIs and wide 95% prediction intervals (sometimes ranging from negative to positive prognostic factor to outcome associations), respectively.This evidence is up to date as of 26 February 2018.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall prognosis of people with IH worsened over time. T2DM cumulative incidence generally increased over the course of follow-up but varied with IH definition. Regression from IH to normoglycaemia decreased over time but was observed even after 11 years of follow-up. The risk of developing T2DM when comparing IH with normoglycaemia at baseline varied by IH definition. Taking into consideration the uncertainty of the available evidence, as well as the fluctuating stages of normoglycaemia, IH and T2DM, which may transition from one stage to another in both directions even after years of follow-up, practitioners should be careful about the potential implications of any active intervention for people 'diagnosed' with IH.

Endothelial dysfunction of coronary arteries in subjects without diabetes: An association with both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion response

AIMS

This study was aimed to compare insulin sensitivity and secretion response, lipoprotein and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels between the subjects with and without coronary artery endothelial dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

ED was detected by intracoronary injection of acetylcholine (ACh) in 47 nondiabetes subjects without stenotic coronary arteries, selected from 316 consecutive patients with coronary angiography performed for suspected coronary artery disease. The subjects were divided into two groups: presence of ACh-induced coronary spasm (group ED+, N = 30) and absence of ACh-induced coronary spasm (group ED-, N = 17). Insulin sensitivity (Si) was evaluated by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) with minimal model analysis and by HOMA-IR, insulin secretion by acute insulin response (AIR) (calculated from the first 8 min of FSIGTT) and by disposition index (DI) (Si × AIR). Lipids and PAI-1 levels were determined enzymatically, and LDL particle size by gradient gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Si was significantly lower (4.22 ± 0.62 vs 6.98 ± 1.47 min^-1/mU/l × 10⁴; p < 0.05) while HOMA-IR was significantly higher in ED + group vs ED- group (2.8 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.2; p < 0.05). Simultaneously, AIR and DI was significantly lower in ED + vs ED- groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Investigated groups did not differ in fasting lipid levels but ED+ group had significantly smaller LDL particles (p < 0.01) and higher PAI-1 levels (p < 0.05). Regression analysis shown that DI was a strong independent predictor of appearance of ED, together with PAI-1 and LDL particle size.

CONCLUSIONS

Both insulin resistance and impairment in insulin secretion response strongly correlate with coronary ED in subjects without diabetes.

Prospective associations of dietary carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake with β-cell function in the CODAM study

PURPOSE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by both impaired pancreatic β-cell function (BCF) and insulin resistance. In the etiology of T2DM, BCF basically determines whether a person with a certain degree of insulin resistance develops T2DM, as β-cells are able to compensatorily increase insulin secretion. The effects of dietary intake on BCF are largely unknown. Our study aim was to investigate whether dietary macronutrient intake predicts BCF.

METHODS

Prospective data (median follow-up 7 years) of 303 individuals recruited from the CODAM study population (aged 40-70 years, 39% women) were analyzed. BCF was measured by C-peptide deconvolution and physiological modeling of data from a 5-point, 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Macronutrient intake was estimated by a 178-item Food Frequency Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Associations adjusted for relevant covariates of baseline macronutrient intake with model-derived parameters describing BCF (glucose sensitivity, rate sensitivity or potentiation) or C-peptidogenic index were detected for trans fat [standardized regression coefficient (95%-CI) glucose sensitivity - 0.14 (- 0.26, - 0.01)] per g, cholesterol [potentiation 0.20 (0.02, 0.37)] per 100 mg, dietary fiber [glucose sensitivity 0.21 (0.08, 0.33)] per 10 g, MUFA glucose sensitivity 0.16 (0.02, 0.31) per 10 g, and polysaccharide [potentiation - 0.24 (- 0.43, - 0.05), C-peptidogenic index - 0.16 (- 0.29 - 0.03); odds ratio lowest versus highest tertile (95%-CI) rate sensitivity 1.51 (1.06, 2.15)) per 50 g.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population at high risk for developing T2DM, polysaccharide and trans fat intake were associated with worse BCF, whereas increased intake of MUFA, dietary cholesterol, and fiber were associated with better BCF.

Dietary glycemic index, glycemic load and incidence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men and women: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study

Background

Japanese diets contain a relatively high amount of carbohydrates, and its high dietary glycemic index and glycemic load may raise the risk of diabetes in the Japanese population. The current study evaluated the associations between the dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in a population based cohort in Japan.

Methods

We observed 27,769 men and 36,864 women (45–75 y) who participated in the second survey of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. The dietary glycemic index and glycemic load were estimated using a food-frequency questionnaire. The development of diabetes was reported in a questionnaire administered five years later, and the associations were analyzed using logistic regression after controlling for age, area, total energy intake, smoking status, family history of diabetes, physical activity, hypertension, BMI, alcohol intake, magnesium, calcium, dietary fiber and coffee intake, and occupation.

Results

The dietary glycemic load was positively associated with the risk of diabetes among women: the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio comparing the highest vs. the lowest quartile was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.13-2.04; P-trend = 0.01). The association was implied to be stronger among women with BMI < 25 than the women with BMI ≥ 25. The dietary glycemic index was positively associated with the risk of diabetes among men with a high intake of total fat: the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio comparing the highest vs. the lowest quartile was 1.46 (95% CI, 0.94-2.28; P-trend = 0.04). Among women with a high total fat intake, those in the first and second quartiles of the dietary glycemic index had a significant reduced risk of diabetes, compared with those in the first quartile who had a lower total fat level (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 0.59 with 95% CI, 0.37-0.94, and odds ratio = 0.63 with 95% CI, 0.40-0.998 respectively).

Conclusions

The population-based cohort study in Japan indicated that diets with a high dietary glycemic load increase the risk of type 2 diabetes among women. Total fat intake may modify the association between the dietary glycemic index and the risk of type 2 diabetes among men and women.

Effect of lipid matrix on repaglinide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery

Aim: To study the effect of different types of lipid on the entrapment efficiency (EE) and physical stability of repaglinide (RG)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). RG-loaded SLNs were prepared by modified solvent injection method using stearic acid (RSA), glycerol monosteratae (RGM), glyceryl behenate (RGB) and tristearin (RTS). Poloxamer F68 was used as a stabilizer. Results: SLNs were characterized by particle size, zeta-potential, EE, in vitro release, solid-state properties (differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction) and stability at 30°C/65% relative humidity for 3 months. The mean particle size and zeta-potential of RG-loaded SLNs prepared with different lipids in varying concentrations ranged from 150 to 355 nm and -21.04 ± 3.10 to -30.54 ± 2.76 mV, respectively. Conclusion: EE was found to vary with lipids in the following order: RSA < RGM < RGB < RTS. Tristearin-prepared SLNs showed a significant prolonged drug release up to 24 h. Differential scanning calorimetry and electron diffraction microphotograph results indicated that RG entrapped in the SLNs existed in an amorphous or molecular state. SLNs prepared with stearic acid, glycerol monostearate and glyceryl behenate after storage showed significant increases in particle size, polydispersity index and EE. The SLNs prepared with tristearin were stable.

Change in metabolic syndrome parameters with antipsychotic treatment in the CATIE Schizophrenia Trial: prospective data from phase 1

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with increased risk for diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease, and is highly prevalent among schizophrenia patients. Given concerns over antipsychotic metabolic effects, this analysis explored MS status and outcomes in phase 1 of the CATIE Schizophrenia Trial.

METHODS

The change in proportion of subjects with MS and individual criteria was compared between antipsychotic treatment groups, along with mean changes for individual criteria. Primary analyses examined subjects with fasting laboratory assessments at baseline and 3 months. Other analyses examined 3-month changes in MS status, waist circumference (WC), HDL cholesterol and blood pressure in all subjects, metabolic changes at the end of phase 1 participation (EOP), and repeated measures changes in HDL, blood pressure (BP) and WC over phase 1.

RESULTS

At 3 months, there were no significant between-drug differences for the change in proportion of subjects meeting MS status or individual MS criteria in the smaller fasting cohort (n = 281) or for those meeting criteria for parameters not dependent on fasting status (BP, HDL, WC) among all subjects (n=660). Among all subjects whose MS status could be determined at 3 months (n=660), MS prevalence increased for olanzapine (from 34.8% to 43.9%), but decreased for ziprasidone (from 37.7% to 29.9%) (p=.001). Although effect sizes varied across subgroups, at 3 months olanzapine and quetiapine had the largest mean increase in waist circumference (0.7 in. for both) followed by risperidone (0.4 in.), compared to no change for ziprasidone (0.0 in.) and a decrease in waist circumference for perphenazine (-0.4 in.). Olanzapine also demonstrated significantly different changes in fasting triglycerides at 3 months (+21.5 mg/dl) compared to ziprasidone (-32.1 mg/dl). EOP exposure data was obtained, on average, nine months from baseline for all metabolic variables. Results from EOP and repeated measures analyses were consistent with those at 3 months for mean changes in WC and fasting triglycerides, but between group differences emerged for HDL and SBP.

CONCLUSIONS

This large non-industry sponsored study confirms the differential metabolic effects between antipsychotics. Clinicians are advised to monitor all metabolic parameters, including WC, HDL and serum triglycerides, during antipsychotic treatment.

Impaired early insulin secretion in Japanese type 2 diabetes with metabolic syndrome

Although it is widely believed that type 2 diabetics with metabolic syndrome (MS) have insulin resistance, the beta-cell function of these patients is largely unknown. We evaluated the characteristics of insulin secretion in Japanese type 2 diabetics with MS after minimizing the influence of glucotoxity. A 75-g OGTT was performed in 192 diabetic subjects and 275 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Although there was no significant difference of the AUC (insulin(0-120)) between the MS group and the NGT group, the insulinogenic index (I.I.) was significantly lower in MS patients compared with NGT subjects. The BMI, maximum BMI, waist circumference, and VFA were all positively correlated with I.I. in the MS group (r=0.298-0.376). By stepwise multiple regression analysis, the BMI was shown to be an independent determinant of I.I. in the MS group (standardized regression coefficient: 0.376, p=0.0004), and it accounted for 13% of the variance in I.I. The impaired I.I. was also found in the MS group with untreated type 2 diabetes. These results indicate that early insulin secretion is impaired in type 2 diabetics with MS. The positive association between BMI and I.I. in diabetics with MS may be explained by beta-cell compensation for reduced insulin sensitivity.

Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load, carbohydrate and fiber intake, and measures of insulin sensitivity, secretion, and adiposity in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study

OBJECTIVE

We studied the association of digestible carbohydrates, fiber intake, glycemic index, and glycemic load with insulin sensitivity (S(I)), fasting insulin, acute insulin response (AIR), disposition index, BMI, and waist circumference.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on 979 adults with normal (67%) and impaired (33%) glucose tolerance from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (1992-1994) were analyzed. Usual dietary intake was assessed via a 114-item interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire from which nutrient intakes were estimated. Published glycemic index values were assigned to food items and average dietary glycemic index and glycemic load calculated per subject. S(I) and AIR were determined by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Disposition index was calculated by multiplying S(I) with AIR. Multiple linear regression modeling was employed.

RESULTS

No association was observed between glycemic index and S(I), fasting insulin, AIR, disposition index, BMI, or waist circumference after adjustment for demographic characteristics or family history of diabetes, energy expenditure, and smoking. Associations observed for digestible carbohydrates and glycemic load, respectively, with S(I), insulin secretion, and adiposity (adjusted for demographics and main confounders) were entirely explained by energy intake. In contrast, fiber was associated positively with S(I) and disposition index and inversely with fasting insulin, BMI, and waist circumference but not with AIR.

CONCLUSION

Carbohydrates as reflected in glycemic index and glycemic load may not be related to measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and adiposity. Fiber intake may not only have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and adiposity, but also on pancreatic functionality.

Evaluation of epidemiologic evidence on the role of nutrition in the development of diabetes and its complications

This article evaluates the body of epidemiologic evidence on the effects of nutritional factors in diabetes development published within the past 5 years (2000-2004), considering strengths and weaknesses of specific studies, as well as of various study designs in general. Furthermore, this article aims to determine whether clinical practice and public health practice guidelines should, or should not, be determined based on the totality of available scientific evidence.

Effect of tequila on homocysteine, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic profile in healthy men

AIM

The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of a low dose of tequila on homocysteine, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic profile in healthy young men.

METHODS

An open clinical trial was carried out in eight healthy nonobese, young male volunteers. The study was divided in two phases. The first one evaluated metabolic changes, including insulin secretion and sensitivity due to acute administration of 30 ml of straight tequila. The second phase of the study evaluated metabolic effects due to the daily administration of 30 ml of tequila during 30 days.

RESULTS

There were no significant metabolic changes after the single oral administration of 30 ml of straight tequila. After the administration of tequila during 30 days, a significant increase in homocysteine levels and a tendency to increase the glucose concentration and to decrease the insulin sensitivity were found.

CONCLUSION

Detrimental metabolic changes were observed with the daily administration of 30 ml of tequila during 30 days.

Abdominal obesity predicts declining insulin sensitivity in non-obese normoglycaemics: the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS)

AIM

Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated a relationship between obesity and insulin sensitivity (S(I)); however, there is a lack of evidence from longitudinal studies.

METHODS

The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) estimated S(I) (x10(-4)/min.microU/ml) directly using a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal model analysis in 504 normoglycaemic subjects. Partial correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to compare the relationship of change in S(I) from baseline to 5 years later (DeltaS(I)) with baseline waist circumference (waist) as a measure of abdominal obesity and body mass index (BMI) as a measure of overall obesity. Mean DeltaS(I) was -1.06 (SD = 1.85).

RESULTS

Higher baseline waist (r = -0.16; p = 0.0005), but not BMI (r = -0.005; p = 0.91), was associated with (-) DeltaS(I) in models including sex, ethnicity, clinical centre and baseline S(I), BMI, waist, age and physical activity. The waist-DeltaS(I) relationship differed across the levels of baseline BMI, being significant only in normal weight (r = -0.21) and overweight subjects (r = -0.16), but not in obese subjects. DeltaS(I) was correlated with a 5-year change in either obesity measure (Deltawaist: r = -0.22 and DeltaBMI: r = -0.20; p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among non-diabetics, waist circumference was a strong predictor of declining S(I) among lean subjects, a modest predictor among overweight subjects, but was not predictive among obese individuals. Waist circumference should be considered, in addition to BMI, when identifying individuals at high risk of diabetes or the insulin resistance syndrome.

Increased 24-h energy expenditure in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes have higher basal and 24-h energy expenditure compared with healthy control subjects before and after adjustment for body composition, spontaneous physical activity (SPA), sex, and age.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 31 subjects with type 2 diabetes and 61 nondiabetic control subjects were analyzed. The 24-h energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and sleeping energy expenditure (EEsleep) between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. were measured in whole-body respiratory chambers. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

No significant differences in unadjusted EEsleep, BMR, and 24-h energy expenditure were observed between the type 2 diabetic group and the control group. After adjustment for fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass, SPA, sex, and age, EEsleep and BMR were, respectively, 7.7 and 6.9% higher in the type 2 diabetic group compared with the control group. This was equivalent to 144 +/- 40 kcal/day (P = 0.001) and 139 +/- 61 kcal/day (P = 0.026), respectively. Adjusted 24-h energy expenditure was 6.5% higher in the type 2 diabetic group compared with the nondiabetic control subjects (2,679 +/- 37 vs. 2,515 +/- 23 kcal/day, P = 0.002). In multiple regression analyses, FFM, fat mass, SPA, and diabetes status were all significant determinants of EEsleep and 24-h energy expenditure, explaining 83 and 81% of the variation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms reports in Pima Indians that basal and 24-h energy expenditure adjusted for body composition, SPA, sex, and age are higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetic control subjects and may be even more pronounced in Caucasians.

The effect of smoking on peripheral insulin sensitivity and plasma endothelin level

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of smoking on peripheral insulin effectiveness.

METHODS

Seven healthy volunteers, nonsmokers, of mean age 39.6 +/- 7.1 Years and mean BMI 22.65 +/- 11.98 kg/m2, without family history of diabetes mellitus, with normal blood pressure participated in the study. All the parameters were studied twice - at baseline as well as after smoking (4 cigarettes per one hour). The study was performed in three days: at the first day we studied peripheral insulin effectiveness (M) in vivo by the artificial endocrine pancreas (Biostator), using the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique, and insulin-receptor binding on circulating mononuclear blood cells; at the second day - the same parameters after one-hour smoking during the third hour of clamping; at the third day - plasma endothelin level, blood pressure and heart rate at baseline and after one-hour smoking.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in glucose utilization during the second clamp test, when the volunteers smoked during the third hour as compared to the test at baseline (p=0.04). This was accompanied by a significant decrease in insulin receptor affinity (p=0.04). Systolic blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly after one-hour smoking (p=0.03 and p=0.001, respectively). Plasma endothelin level increased significantly after smoking (from 0.62 +/- 0.15 pg/ml to 2.05 +/- 1.67 pg/ml, p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that smoking decreases peripheral insulin sensitivity reducing insulin receptor affinity. We have confirmed that smoking increases plasma endothelin level, which probably by causing vasoconstriction and consequent tIssue hypoxaemia could decrease peripheral glucose utilization. We consider that smoking could also have a direct effect on insulin receptor affinity, thus leading to decreased peripheral insulin effectiveness.

Nutrition and prevention of type 2 diabetes

In recent years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased alarmingly worldwide, giving diabetes the dimension of an epidemic. Striking parallel increases in the prevalence of obesity reflect the importance of body fatness as a contributing factor to diabetes incidence. Moreover, it has been estimated that up to 75% of the risk of type 2 diabetes is attributable to obesity. Recent clinical trials and observational epidemiologic studies demonstrate the efficacy of lifestyle changes, including decreased energy intake, decreased fat intake, and weight loss, as well as regular participation in physical activity, in improving insulin sensitivity (SI) and reducing the risk of diabetes. This review evaluates evidence of the effect of diet on insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and glucose tolerance, and reflects on directions for future work toward primary prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Identification of subjects with insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction using alternative definitions of the metabolic syndrome

Recently, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has attracted much attention as a risk cluster for cardiovascular disease. Although it is believed that individuals with the MetS have insulin resistance (IR), there are few data using direct measures of IR such as glucose clamps or frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests (FSIGTTs). We examined associations of MetS with FSIGTT-derived measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion among nondiabetic subjects in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study. Two sets of MetS criteria were evaluated: those from the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) and the 2001 National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Both WHO and NCEP MetS definitions were significantly associated with risk of being in the lowest quartile of directly measured insulin sensitivity (P < 0.0001 for all subjects as well as within ethnic subgroups). However, the associations with WHO-MetS were stronger for all subjects combined (WHO: odds ratio [OR] = 10.2; 95% CI 7.5-13.9; NCEP: OR = 4.6; 3.4-6.2) and in separate analyses of non-Hispanic whites, blacks, and Hispanics. WHO and NCEP MetS definitions were also significantly associated with risk of being in the lowest quartile of insulin sensitivity-adjusted acute insulin response (AIR) and disposition index (DI; all P < 0.01), although the associations were generally weaker than those for insulin sensitivity and there was no difference between the two definitions in all subjects combined (low AIR, WHO: OR = 1.7, 1.2-2.4; NCEP: OR = 1.7, 1.2-2.5). There were, however, a number of ethnic differences, including a stronger association of NCEP-MetS with low AIR among blacks. WHO-MetS was significantly more sensitive than NCEP-MetS in detecting low insulin sensitivity (65.4 vs. 45.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001), with no significant differences in specificity between the definitions (84.4 vs. 84.6%; P = 0.91), although WHO-MetS had a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (75% vs. 65%; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, although both the WHO and NCEP MetS criteria identify nondiabetic individuals with low insulin sensitivity, the associations were notably stronger using the WHO definition. The definitions are generally less useful for identifying those with low AIR or DI, although NCEP-MetS seems to differentiate black subjects with insulin secretion defects.

The impact of an insulin sensitizer, troglitazone, on glucose metabolism in African Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, 24-month randomized study

African Americans (AA) have greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and nondiabetic AA have demonstrated increased insulin resistance when compared with Caucasian Americans (CA). The objective of this study was to examine the impact of chronic use of an insulin sensitizer on glucose metabolism in normal glucose tolerant AA at risk for DM (previous gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] or first-degree relative with DM). Forty-nine high-risk AA received 200 mg/d troglitazone (TRO) versus 81 age-, weight-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched high-risk AA who received placebo (PLA) for 24 months. Yearly anthropometric measurements, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) were performed. Biochemical parameters were monitored quarterly. There was no significant change in anthropometric measurements over 24 months in TRO versus PLA. There were no significant differences in serum glucose, insulin, or C-peptide incremental area under the curve (AUC) in TRO versus PLA at baseline or 24 months for OGTT and FSIVGTT. The insulin sensitivity (S(I)) for TRO and PLA increased from baseline to 24 months by 17% and 16%, respectively. The TRO demonstrated a 26% increase in insulin/glucose ratio versus 1% increase in the PLA at 24 months. The disposition index (DI) increased 33% from baseline in TRO versus 21% increase in PLA. Modest improvement in glucose metabolism was seen in TRO when compared with PLA. TRO was well tolerated without significant reported adverse events. Based on our current data, the treatment of normal glucose tolerant high-risk AA with thiazolidinedione (TZD) may be beneficial to "reset" and protect glucose metabolism by improving insulin responses. Because of the potential drug-related risks associated with use of TZD and the proven positive impact of diet and exercise in prevention of DM, studies of longer duration with examination of other potentially beneficial parameters, such as cardiovascular indices and inflammatory markers will be necessary to justify the cost in the nondiabetic population.

Heterogeneity in the relationship between ethnicity, BMI, and fasting insulin

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the association of BMI and fasting insulin is modified by ethnicity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Non-Hispanic black (black), non-Hispanic white (white), and Mexican-American men and women aged 20-80 years from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were included in this study. Linear regression models with an interaction term were used to test whether ethnicity modified the association between BMI and fasting insulin.

RESULTS

Fasting insulin was 19, 26, 20, and 19% higher in black women than white women with BMI levels of <22, 22-24, 25-27, and 28-30 kg/m(2), respectively. These differences between black and white women converged at BMI levels >30 kg/m(2). Mexican-American women had fasting insulin levels that were 17, 22, 20, and 16% higher than those of white women at BMI levels of 25-27, 28-30, 31-33, and >34 kg/m(2), respectively, but were not different in individuals with BMI levels <25 kg/m(2). Adjusting for established risk factors did not attenuate these associations in women. Differences in fasting insulin among men were not as apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the effect of obesity on insulin sensitivity is different for Americans in ethnic minorities. In black subjects, fasting insulin is higher at lean weight when compared with white and Mexican-American subjects. In Mexican-American subjects, fasting insulin is higher in overweight individuals when compared with white and black subjects. These findings are more pronounced in women than in men. This result reinforces the importance of designing prevention programs that are tailored to meet the needs of specific populations. Investigation of possible explanations for these differences seems warranted.

Effects of diets enriched in saturated (palmitic), monounsaturated (oleic), or trans (elaidic) fatty acids on insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

Diets high in total and saturated fat are associated with insulin resistance. This study examined the effects of feeding monounsaturated, saturated, and trans fatty acids on insulin action in healthy adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted comparing three controlled 4-week diets (57% carbohydrate, 28% fat, and 15% protein) enriched with different fatty acids in 25 healthy men and women. The monounsaturated fat diet (M) had 9% of energy as C18:1cis (oleic acid). The saturated fat diet (S) had 9% of energy as palmitic acid, and the trans fatty acid diet (T) had 9% as C18:1trans. Body weight was kept constant throughout the study. After each diet period, insulin pulsatile secretion, insulin sensitivity index (S(I)) by the minimal model method, serum lipids, and fat oxidation by indirect calorimetry were measured.

RESULTS

Mean S(I) for the M, S, and T diets was 3.44 +/- 0.26, 3.20 +/- 0.26, and 3.40 +/- 0.26 x 10(-4) min(-1). microU(-1). ml(-1), respectively (NS). S(I) decreased by 24% on the S versus M diet in overweight subjects but was unchanged in lean subjects (NS). Insulin secretion was unaffected by diet, whereas total and HDL cholesterol increased significantly on the S diet. Subjects oxidized the least fat on the M diet (26.0 +/- 1.5 g/day) and the most fat on the T diet (31.4 +/- 1.5 g/day) (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary fatty acid composition significantly influenced fat oxidation but did not impact insulin sensitivity or secretion in lean individuals. Overweight individuals were more susceptible to developing insulin resistance on high-saturated fat diets.

Current literature in diabetes

In order to keep subscribers up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of diabetes/metabolism. Each bibliography is divided into 17 sections: 1 Books, Reviews & Symposia; 2 General; 3 Genetics; 4 Epidemiology; 5 Immunology; 6 Prediction; 7 Prevention; 8 INTERVENTION: a&rpar General; b&rpar Pharmacology; 9 Pathology: a&rpar General; b&rpar Cardiovascular; c&rpar Neurological; d&rpar Renal; 10 Endocrinology & Metabolism; 11 Nutrition; 12 Animal Studies; 13 Techniques. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author (9 Weeks journals - Search completed at 1st Aug 2001)