Hyperinsulinemia in African American (AA) Adolescents Compared with Their American White (AW) Peers Despite Similar Insulin Sensitivity: A Reflection of Up-Regulated β-Cell Function?
- Tamara S. Hannon, M.D. (tamara.hannon{at}chp.edu)1,
- Fida Bacha, M.D.1,
- Yan Lin, Ph.D.2 and
- Silva A. Arslanian, M.D.1
- 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- 2Center for Research on Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Abstract
Objective: African American (AA) children are hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant compared with American White (AW) children. Previously, we demonstrated that insulin secretion relative to insulin sensitivity was ∼75% higher in AA compared with AW children, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia in AA children is not merely a compensatory response to lower insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present investigation was to assess if glucose-stimulated insulin response is higher in AA vs AW adolescents who have comparable in vivo insulin sensitivity.
Methods: The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp techniques were utilized to assess first and second phase insulin secretion. Insulin secretion relative to insulin sensitivity was calculated as the glucose disposition index.
Results: AA adolescents compared with their AW peers with comparable insulin sensitivity and body composition had higher first-phase insulin concentrations.
Conclusion: The quantitative relationship between insulin sensitivity and first phase insulin appears to differ among AA and AW adolescents.
Footnotes
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- Received January 22, 2008.
- Accepted April 9, 2008.
- Copyright © American Diabetes Association
