Effect of insulin on body composition in patients with insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes

Abstract

Insulin is used to control blood glucose but may have an adverse effect on the amount and distribution of fat mass and other cardiovascular risk factors. To test this hypothesis the effect of insulin therapy on blood glucose, body composition, and lipid levels was measured during 6 months in 9 patients with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 15 patients with non-insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetes (NIDDM) and secondary failure of therapy with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Both groups received similar daily doses of insulin (~0.6 units kg-1 day-1). Glycaemic control improved during 6 months treatment in both groups, although the reduction in HbA(1c) was great..