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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Characterization of Metabolic Status in Nonhuman Primates with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Published on: November 13, 2016
Effect of prolonged oral terbutaline therapy on glucose tolerance in pregnancy
M R Foley1, M B Landon, S G Gabbe
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.
Objective:
Our objective was to elucidate the pathophysiologic effects and potential reversibility of terbutaline-induced changes in carbohydrate metabolism.
Study Design:
We prospectively evaluated serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, C-peptide, and pancreatic polypeptide levels in response to a 100 gm glucose challenge (oral 3-hour glucose tolerance test) in 17 obstetric patients without complications who were given terbutaline (5 mg orally every 4 hours) for 5 consecutive days between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation. Each patient served as her own control, with day 1 representing pretreatment, day 7 the treatment phase, and day 14 the posttreatment evaluation. Body mass index and posttreatment serum terbutaline levels were also measured.
Results:
A significant initial treatment effect (day 1 versus 7) was observed for glucose (elevated), insulin (elevated), insulin/glucose ratio (elevated), and pancreatic polypeptide (elevated). A significant delayed treatment effect (day 1 versus 14) was also observed for insulin (elevated), insulin/glucose ratio (elevated), and pancreatic polypeptide (elevated). Body mass index directly correlated with postchallenge measures of insulin, insulin/glucose ratio, pancreatic polypeptide, and C-peptide. Posttreatment serum terbutaline levels directly correlated with pancreatic polypeptide, but not with other parameters.
Conclusions:
Our data support a dose-independent, terbutaline-induced glucose intolerance mediated by glucagon and caused by diminished insulin sensitivity.
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