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Warner SO, Dai Y, Sheanon N, Yao MV, Cason RL, Arbabi S, Patel SB, Lindquist D, Winnick JJ. Short-term fasting lowers glucagon levels under euglycemic and hypoglycemic conditions in healthy humans. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e169789. [PMID: 37166980 PMCID: PMC10371233 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasting is associated with increased susceptibility to hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes, thereby making it a significant health risk. To date, the relationship between fasting and insulin-induced hypoglycemia has not been well characterized, so our objective was to determine whether insulin-independent factors, such as counterregulatory hormone responses, are adversely impacted by fasting in healthy control individuals. Counterregulatory responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia were measured in 12 healthy people during 2 metabolic studies. During one study, participants ate breakfast and lunch, after which they underwent a 2-hour bout of insulin-induced hypoglycemia (FED). During the other study, participants remained fasted prior to hypoglycemia (FAST). As expected, hepatic glycogen concentrations were lower in FAST, and associated with diminished peak glucagon levels and reduced endogenous glucose production (EGP) during hypoglycemia. Accompanying lower EGP in FAST was a reduction in peripheral glucose utilization, and a resultant reduction in the amount of exogenous glucose required to maintain glycemia. These data suggest that whereas a fasting-induced lowering of glucose utilization could potentially delay the onset of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, subsequent reductions in glucagon levels and EGP are likely to encumber recovery from it. As a result of this diminished metabolic flexibility in response to fasting, susceptibility to hypoglycemia could be enhanced in patients with type 1 diabetes under similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana O. Warner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yufei Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicole Sheanon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael V. Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Cason
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shahriar Arbabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shailendra B. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Diana Lindquist
- Imaging Research Center, Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason J. Winnick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Abstract
Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease of childhood and one of the most difficult conditions to manage. Advances in insulin formulations and insulin delivery devices have markedly improved the ability to achieve normal glucose homeostasis. However, hypoglycemia remains the primary limiting factor in achieving normoglycemia and is a frequent complication in children with acute gastroenteritis and/or poor oral intake. In situations of impaired carbohydrate intake or absorption, glucagon therapy is the only out-of-hospital treatment option available to families and caregivers. Glucagon is recommended for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia and rapidly increases blood glucose by increasing hepatic glucose production from glycogenolysis. Mini-dose glucagon is a widely utilized off-label treatment for managing mild or impending hypoglycemia and is administered as a small subcutaneous injection. It was initially described for use in children who were unable to tolerate or absorb oral carbohydrates but not in need of advanced medical care. Yet, mini-dose glucagon may be useful in any individual with relative insulin excess. The regimen aims to prevent severe hypoglycemic episodes and is safe, effective, and easily administered by patients and caregivers in the out-of-hospital setting. By empowering patients and their families, this important tool could help to alleviate the physical, psychosocial, and financial burden evolving from impending hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie T Chung
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Morey W Haymond
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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