The effect of strict control with the artificial beta-cell on plasma lipid levels in insulin-dependent diabetes

The artificial beta-cell can establish normoglycemia within 2 h in an indifferently controlled diabetic patient. In the present study, the temporal relationship between the achievement of normoglycemia and its effect on plasma lipid concentrations has been examined in 12 insulin-dependent diabetic patients regulated by the artificial beta-cell for 7 days. The fasting values (mean +/- SEM) of blood glucose (BG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-chol), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), and the calculated LDL/HDL ratio (obtained while participants were on single or split insulin regimens) were 385 +/- 42 mg/dl, 148 +/- 24 mg/dl, 219 +/- 22 mg/dl, 39 +/- 3.6 mg/dl, and 3.8 +/- 1.04, respectively. Within 12 h of establishing normoglycemia TG levels fell to 87 +/- 10 mg/dl (P less than 0.001), T-chol to 196 +/- 15 mg/dl (P less than 0.005), and HDL to 37 +/- 3 mg/dl (P = NS). The LDL/HDL ratio remained unchanged. After 7 days on the artificial beta-cell, the corresponding values were: 73 +/- 5 mg/dl (P less than 0.001), 169 +/- 9 mg/dl (P less than 0.001), 41 +/- 2.6 mg/dl (P = NS), and 2.6 +/- 0.56 (P less than 0.05). Twenty-four hours after discontinuation of artificial beta-cell therapy, the TG and T-chol concentrations reverted to baseline. These findings underscore the rapidity and effectiveness with which strict control can improve plasma lipid profiles.