Insulinotropic Action of Glucagonlike Peptide-I-(7–37) in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects
- David M Nathan, MD,
- Eric Schreiber, MD,
- Howard Fogel, MD,
- Svetlana Mojsov, MD and
- Joel F Habener, MD
- Diabetes Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Assachusetts General Hospital Boston Howard Hughes Edical Institute, Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts
- Address Correspondence and Reprint Requests to David M. Nathan, MD, Diabetes Unit, Bulfinch 4, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114.
Abstract
Objective Whether glucagonlike peptide-I-(7–37) (GLP-I-[7–37]), a naturally occurring intestinal peptide, is insulinotropic in nondiabetic and non-insulindependent (type II) diabetic subjects.
Research Design and Methods GLP-I-(7–37) or saline placebo was infused (1–5 ng · kg−1 · min−1 for 30 min) in 4 nondiabetic and 11 type II diabetic subjects in the fasting and prandial state. Glucose, insulin, and GLP-I-(7–37) levels were measured.
Results GLP-I-(7–37) infusion resulted in a 3- to 10-fold increase in peak insulin levels and in insulin area under the curve in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. In diabetic subjects, infusion concurrent with a standard meal eliminated the postprandial glucose excursion for 60 min after the meal. Insulin-releasing potency of GLP-I-(7-37) was attenuated at decreased glucose levels.
Conclusions GLP-I-(7–37) has potent insulinotropic effects in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. Whether GLP-I-(7–37) is useful as a therapeutic medication in type II diabetes requires further investigation.
- Received February 7, 1991.
- Accepted May 22, 1991.
- Copyright © 1992 by the American Diabetes Association
