Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity in low insulin responders

Oral and iv glucose tolerance, insulin response to iv and oral glucose load as well as insulin sensitivity were evaluated in 58 'low insulin responders'. They were selected from a group of 226 healthy subjects with normal fasting blood glucose and normal iv glucose tolerance test on the basis of a low insulin response during a standardized glucose infusion test (GIT). The insulin response to GIT was analysed by parameter identification in a mathematical model (parameter KI). Insulin sensitivity was also measured by computer analysis of GIT (parameter KG) and, in a limited group of subjects, by a somatostatin infusion test. Thirty-three low insulin responders had normal OGTT, whereas 5 demonstrated borderline-1, 16 borderline-2, and 4 decreased OGTT. The first group of subjects demonstrated normal or enhanced insulin sensitivity. Borderline and decreased OGTT, in most instances, was accompanied by decreased insulin sensitivity, implying that a subgroup of low insulin responders exhibited signs of both impaired insulin response to glucose and insulin resistance. Since these defects characterize manifest type-2 diabetes, these subjects possibly may run a high risk to develop this type of diabetes. On the other hand, low insulin response in combination with increased insulin sensitivity may reflect adaptation of the secretory capacity of B-cells to the need of insulin.