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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
Reference intervals for glucose, beta-cell polypeptides, and counterregulatory factors during prolonged fasting
K Hojlund1, M Wildner-Christensen, O Eshøj
1Diabetes Centre, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark. k.hojlund@dadlnet.dk
Abstract:
To establish reference intervals for the pancreatic beta-cell response and the counterregulatory hormone response to prolonged fasting, we studied 33 healthy subjects (16 males, 17 females) during a 72-h fast. Glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin levels decreased (P < 0.001), and the levels of counterregulatory factors increased during the fast [P < 0.05; glucagon and free fatty acids (FFA) with a linear increase and epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol with a clear underlying circadian rhythm]. Growth hormone secretion increased from the first to third day of fasting (P < 0.05) but actually decreased from the second to third day of fasting (P = 0.03). Males had higher glucose and glucagon levels and lower FFA levels during the fast (P < 0.05), whereas no effect of gender on beta-cell polypeptides was observed. A high body mass index resulted in higher insulin and C-peptide levels during the fast (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we have provided reference intervals for glucoregulatory factors during a 72-h fast. We observed a diminished beta-cell response concomitant with an increased secretion of counterregulatory hormones. These results should be of clinical and scientific value in the investigation of hypoglycemic disorders.
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