Abnormalities in insulin secretion and glucose clearance among Macaca mulatta examined on Cayo Santiago

Macaca mulatta on Cayo Santiago (CS) were examined with intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IV-GTT) for evidence of abnormalities in glucose clearance and insulin secretion. About 10% of the 98 monkeys had impaired glucose clearance associated with impaired insulin secretion. Another 6% had either fasting or secretory hyperinsulinemia with slightly increased rates of glucose clearance, and 20% had low insulin secretion, but no significant changes in glucose clearance. Results were compared to those obtained with CS-derived monkeys tested at Sabana Seca (SS). Glucose clearance per amount of insulin secreted was 40% more effective among CS macaques than among those at SS. There were no differences in weight between impaired and control macaques on CS. Effects of genetics, physical activity, and food consumption can be studied among these macaques and results related to similar metabolic abnormalities in prediabetic and diabetic human beings.