Indexes of β-cell function from the oral glucose tolerance test can modestly predict pancreatic β-cell area in Korean

Pancreatic β-cell function indexes have been suggested using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Here, we investigated whether β-cell function index from the OGTT reflects pancreatic β-cell area in Korean patients.

The study consisted of 45 patients who underwent pancreatectomies. Before operation, a 75-g OGTT was performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed, and indexes of β-cell function from the OGTT data were compared with the pancreatic β-cell area.

The β-cell area of the pancreas was 1.07 ± 0.33% in the normal glucose tolerance group, 1.71 ± 0.85% in the pre-diabetes group (impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose), and 1.08 ± 0.57% in the diabetes group. The β-cell area of the pre-diabetes group was significantly higher than that of the diabetes group. Pancreatic β-cell area showed a significant correlation with a homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (r=0.358, P=0.016), disposition index (r=0.336, P=0.024), fasting glucose (r=-0.359, P=0.015), and the C-peptide/glucose 30 min ratio (r=0.319, P=0.035).

Some parameters of β-cell function from the OGTT showed a significant relationship with the β-cell area of pancreas.