Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients
Published on: July 30, 2011
Improvement of glucose metabolism after a pancreatoduodenectomy
Takao Ohtsuka1, Kenji Kitahara, Naohiko Kohya
1Department of Surgery, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, Saga, Japan. takao4412@hotmail.com
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of the change in glucose metabolism after a pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).
Methods:
Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 17 patients before and 1 month after a PD. The changes in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, homeostasis model of insulin resistance, and insulinogenic index (beta-cell function) were analyzed. Two additional factors, gastric emptying function and plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentration, that possibly affect perioperative glucose metabolism were also assessed.
Results:
The plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly lower after the operation, especially in preoperative diabetic patients. beta-Cell function did not change after the operation. On the other hand, insulin resistance became normal 1 month after the operation. The value of gastric emptying function after the operation was not statistically different in comparison with that before the operation. Postoperative plasma GLP-1 concentration was significantly higher than the preoperative value.
Conclusions:
beta-Cell function is maintained after a PD, whereas the improvement of insulin resistance may cause a short-term transient improvement of the glucose metabolism after the operation. The significance of increased postoperative GLP-1 concentration remains an unsolved issue.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
