Hypoglycaemic effect of catalpol in a mouse model of high-fat diet-induced prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem and a societal burden. Individuals with prediabetes are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Catalpol, an iridoid glycoside, has been reported to exert a hypoglycaemic effect in db/db mice, but its effect on the progression of prediabetes is unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model of prediabetes and examined the hypoglycaemic effect, and the mechanism of any such effect, of catalpol. Catalpol (200 mg/(kg·day)) had no effect on glucose tolerance or the serum lipid level in a mouse model of impaired glucose tolerance-stage prediabetes. However, catalpol (200 mg/(kg·day)) increased insulin sensitivity and decreased the fasting glucose level in a mouse model of impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance-stage prediabetes. Moreover, catalpol increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (1.52-fold) and adenosine triphosphate content (1.87-fold) in skeletal muscle and improved skeletal muscle function. These effects were mediated by activation of the insulin receptor-1/glucose transporter type 4 (IRS-1/GLUT4) signalling pathway in skeletal muscle. Our findings will facilitate the development of a novel approach to suppressing the progression of diabetes at an early stage. Novelty Catalpol prevents the progression of prediabetes in a mouse model of prediabetes. Catalpol improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. The effects of catalpol are mediated by activation of the IRS-1/GLUT4 signalling pathway.