The metabolic responses induced by acute dexamethasone predict glucose tolerance and insulin secretion over 10years in relatives of type 2 diabetic subjects

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to compare the metabolic and insulin secretory responses to dexamethasone with the metabolic responses observed at 10years in normoglycaemic relatives of type 2 diabetic and healthy control subjects. Methods: Twenty relatives and 20 matched control subjects were studied twice at 0year (pre- and post-dexamethasone) and at 10years, employing a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with serial measurements of glucose and insulin, for determination of glucose tolerance and calculations of acute insulin release (ΔI30/ΔG30; insulinogenic index) and insulin sensitivity (SIHOMA). Results: Following dexamethasone, the relatives group developed varying degrees of glucos..