title: Effects of prolonged glucose infusion on insulin secretion, clearance, and action in normal subjects.
abstract: It was the aim of this study to determine whether prolonged hyperglycemia can produce "glucose toxicity" in normal human subjects. To this end, plasma glucose was clamped at approximately 5, approximately 8.8, and approximately 12.6 mM for 68 h in healthy volunteers. Rates of insulin secretion (by deconvolution of plasma C-peptide) and rates of insulin clearance [area under curve (AUC) 24 h insulin secretion/AUC 24 h insulin] were determined. Pre- and posthyperglycemia glucose turnover was measured (with [6,6-2H2]glucose) during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamping to assess peripheral (muscle) and hepatic insulin action. Hyperglycemia (approximately 12.6 mM) for 68 h was associated with significant reductions in rates of insulin secretion (-35%, P < 0.05), insulin clearance (-57%, P < 0.05), glucose infusion rates needed to maintain hyperglycemia (-36%, P < 0.05), and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (-55%, P < 0.01). No significant changes were seen during approximately 8.8 mM hyperglycemia or during euglycemia. These data showed that 12.6 mM hyperglycemia, but not 8.8 mM hyperglycemia or euglycemia, was associated with reduced insulin secretion, insulin clearance, and peripheral (muscle) insulin action. We concluded that 1) in normal subjects, desensitization to glucose involving beta-cells and muscle developed at plasma glucose concentrations between approximately 9 and approximately 12 mM, and 2) these effects were partially compensated for by a decrease in insulin clearance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boden
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015309:Glucose Clamp Technique; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000097:blood; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000097:blood; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D005947:Glucose