Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 11, 2025

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes
05:18

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Published on: February 17, 2023

5.2K

Insulin Treatment Attenuates Small Nerve Fiber Damage in Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Laura J Andreasen1,2, Rikke K Kirk2, Christian Fledelius2

  • 1Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.

Journal of Diabetes Research
|August 25, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High-dose insulin treatment in a type 2 diabetes rat model attenuated nerve damage, but did not fully prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Poor glycemic control and dyslipidemia also contribute to DPN progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Clinical guidelines for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) management focus on glycemic control, but its preventive effect in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited.
  • DPN development in T2D patients requires further investigation into underlying causes beyond hyperglycemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of insulin treatment on DPN development in a rat model of T2D.
  • To assess the role of glycemic control and dyslipidemia in DPN progression.

Main Methods:

  • Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet and induced with streptozotocin to model T2D.
  • Diabetic rats received no insulin, low-dose, or high-dose insulin treatment for 12 weeks.
  • Neuropathy was assessed using Hargreaves' test and intraepidermal nerve fiber density; blood parameters and sorbitol levels were also measured.

Main Results:

  • Insulin treatment dose-dependently reduced blood glucose and lipids, and increased body fat.
  • High-dose insulin attenuated small nerve fiber damage compared to untreated and low-dose groups.
  • Glycemic status, circulating lipids, and sciatic nerve sorbitol levels were negatively associated with nerve fiber damage.

Conclusions:

  • High-dose insulin treatment can attenuate DPN-related small nerve fiber damage in T2D rats.
  • Both poor glycemic control and dyslipidemia are linked to DPN progression.
  • This T2D rat model is suitable for preclinical research on DPN treatment opportunities.

More Related Videos

Establishing a Mouse Model of a Pure Small Fiber Neuropathy with the Ultrapotent Agonist of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 109:39

Establishing a Mouse Model of a Pure Small Fiber Neuropathy with the Ultrapotent Agonist of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1

Published on: February 13, 2018

9.9K
An Ultrasonic Tool for Nerve Conduction Block in Diabetic Rat Models10:27

An Ultrasonic Tool for Nerve Conduction Block in Diabetic Rat Models

Published on: October 20, 2017

7.7K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
4.6K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
766
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
539
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.1K
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
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...
13.3K