Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of insulin therapy on fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels in type 2 diabetic subjects is due to plasma glucose reduction or a direct effect of exogenous insulin. Methods: Plasma glucose and serum C-peptide levels were determined before and after IV injection of 1 mg glucagon on three separate days in 21 type 2 diabetic subjects. Day 1: without pharmacological treatment and fasting plasma glucose >11.1 mmol/L; day 2: fasting plasma glucose 4.4-7.8 mmol/L, 1 h after withdrawing intravenous regular insulin infusion; day 3: fasting plasma glucose 4.4-7.8 mmol/L with bed-time NPH insulin. Results: Fasting and glucagon stimulated C-peptide levels were higher on day 1 than days 2 and 3. Fasting, but not stimulated C-peptide levels, were lower on day 3 than day 2. These differences were not appeared when the percentage of C-peptide increment or the C-peptide/glucose ratio were compared in the three days. Conclusions: Blood glucose reduction instead of exogenous insulin is responsible for the C-peptide decrease during insulin therapy in type 2 diabetic subjects. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 202-206 |
Journal | Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice |
Volume | 68 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2005 |
Keywords
- C-peptide
- Glucagon
- Insulin treatment
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus