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Short-term glucosamine infusion does not affect insulin sensitivity in humans
M J Pouwels1, J R Jacobs, P N Span
1Divisions of General Internal Medicine, University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. m.pouwels@endo.azn.nl
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 10, 2001
Summary
Glucosamine (GlcN) infusion did not affect insulin-induced glucose uptake in healthy subjects, suggesting the hexosamine pathway is not involved in short-term insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Human physiology
- Insulin resistance
Background:
- Overactivity of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway is implicated in hyperglycemia-associated insulin resistance.
- Human studies investigating this link are limited.
- Glucosamine (GlcN) can mimic hexosamine pathway activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if GlcN infusion affects insulin resistance in vivo in healthy humans.
- To investigate the short-term effects of GlcN on glucose uptake.
Main Methods:
- Double forearm balance technique with euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in 18 healthy subjects.
- Infusion of GlcN or saline (placebo) into the brachial artery.
- Measurement of forearm and whole-body glucose uptake.
Main Results:
- GlcN infusion increased plasma GlcN concentrations without altering forearm blood flow.
- Forearm glucose uptake (FGU) and whole-body glucose uptake were similar between GlcN-infused and control arms.
- No significant differences in insulin-induced glucose uptake were observed compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Short-term GlcN infusion does not induce insulin resistance in healthy humans.
- These findings do not support a role for the hexosamine pathway in the short-term regulation of human insulin sensitivity.