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.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Nephropathy in Indian patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes in the young.

In 85 patients diagnosed as having non-insulin-dependent diabetes in the young (NIDDY), 6 were found to have nephropathy. The duration of diabetes ranged from 2 to 17 yr; 5 of the 6 patients had retinopathy as evidenced by fluoroscein angiography (3 with proliferative changes). All 6 patients had a 24-h urinary protein excretion greater than 0.5 g and a glomerular filtration rate less than 80 ml/min. Serum beta 2-microglobulin levels were increased in all 6 patients, while only 3 had increased serum creatinine levels.

Adult↗