Hepatic 123I-insulin binding kinetics in non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetic patients after i.v. bolus...

Insulin binding kinetics in the liver were studied in non insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetic patients, by i.v. bolus administration of 123I-insulin. Eight Type 2 diabetic patients were compared with six male volunteers. Uptake of 123I-insulin by liver and kidneys was measured by dynamic scintigraphy with a gamma camera during 30 min. Images of liver and kidneys appeared within 2-3 min after administration of 123I-insulin at a dose of 1 mCi (37 MBq). Peak radioactivity for the liver was found 7.5 +/- 0.2 and 6.9 +/- 0.3 min after injection for the healthy and the diabetic subjects, respectively (N.S.). The percentage 123I-insulin hepatic uptake was not significantly different for the diabetic and the healthy subjects. Although a large variation exists for maximal uptake of radioactivity within both groups, the data suggest that binding differences in the liver in Type 2 diabetic patients, as compared to healthy subjects, may not account for hepatic insulin resistance.