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D C Robbins

Publications and source records attributed to D C Robbins.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Microalbuminuria and carotid artery intima-media thickness in nondiabetic and NIDDM subjects. The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Microalbuminuria is associated with cardiovascular mortality in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). However, little is known about this association in nondiabetic subjects. Specifically, it is not known whether microalbuminuria is related to an early stage of atherosclerosis manifested as increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries. We investigated the relationship between microalbuminuria and carotid artery IMT in 991 nondiabetic and 450 NIDDM subjects aged 40 to 69 years. METHODS: Microalbuminuria was defined as albumin-to-creatinine ratio > or = 2 mg/mmol in a morning spot urine sample. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess the IMT of the common and internal carotid arteries. RESULTS: Altogether 13.9% of nondiabetic and 27.6% of NIDDM subjects had microalbuminuria, and 31.1% of nondiabetic and 50.8% of NIDDM subjects had hypertension. Subjects with microalbuminuria had greater common carotid artery (CCA) IMT than those without microalbuminuria (nondiabetic: 0.84 +/- 0.02 versus 0.80 +/- 0.01 mm, P = .010; NIDDM: 0.89 +/- 0.02 versus 0.86 +/- 0.01 mm, P = .152; combined: 0.86 +/- 0.01 versus 0.82 +/- 0.01, P = .005). The association of microalbuminuria and CCA IMT was independent of age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, and lipoprotein levels. Although further adjustment for hypertension in the multivariate linear regression analysis attenuated the difference in CCA IMT between subjects with and without microalbuminuria, this difference continued to be significant (combined: 0.86 +/- 0.01 versus 0.83 +/- 0.01, P = .015). In contrast to CCA IMT, microalbuminuria was not related to ICA IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria was associated with increased CCA IMT. This relationship was only partly mediated by hypertension. Thus, microalbuminuria is related to atherosclerosis at an early stage of the disease process.

Albuminuria↗

Regional differences in albuminuria among American Indians: an epidemic of renal disease.

Albuminuria is a risk factor for renal and cardiovascular disease. We conducted a cross sectional survey of 4549 older American Indians in Arizona, Oklahoma and North and South Dakota of (micro)albuminuria. A range of 20.1 to 48.3% of all participants had either micro- (> or = 30 to < 300 mg albumin/g creatinine) or macroalbuminuria (> or = 300 mg albumin/g creatinine). A total of 53% of the participants were diabetic, and the prevalence in Arizona (65 to 70%) was significantly greater than the other two sites. Prevalence of micro- and macroalbuminuria were significantly higher among those who were older, diabetic or hypertensive, and participants from Arizona. Even normotensive, nondiabetic Arizona Indians had higher prevalence rates than similar participants elsewhere. Higher prevalence rates of micro- and macroalbuminuria were also found among Arizona participants than participants with similar degrees of glucose intolerance from the other two sites. Indians reporting the greatest degree of Indian blood were more likely to have abnormal albuminuria (P < 0.0001). The duration of diabetes, fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, fibrinogen and Indian heritage were independently associated with micro- or macroalbuminuria. The association of albuminuria with subsequent ESRD, cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality suggests that these American Indians will face a large disease burden. The correlation with reported Indian blood implies a strong component of genetic susceptibility, possibly independent of diabetes.

Aged↗

Plasma lipids and lipoprotein concentrations among American Indians: comparison with the US population.

Lipoprotein measurements from the Third National Health and Nutrition Education Survey were used to estimate the need to measure fasting lipid concentrations and offer dietary and drug interventions in the US population. In this review, we compare the distribution of the Third National Health and Nutrition Education Survey population (according to National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines) with a contemporary sample of lipoprotein measurements in 4549 American Indians. Compared with data from the former, relatively fewer American Indians have cholesterol levels greater than 240 mg dl-1 and a much larger proportion have 'desirable' cholesterol levels less than 200 mg dl-1. The above guidelines, dictating measurement of fasting lipoprotein concentrations and dietary or drug intervention, take into account age, presence of cardiovascular risk factors and levels of both HDL- and LDL-cholesterol. The proportion of American Indians requiring these interventions is somewhat at less than the Third National Health and Nutrition Education Survey population, even though the American Indian population in this comparison is generally older (45-74 years of age) than the Survey participants (20 to more than 75 years of age). We review the literature concerning lipoprotein measurements in other American Indian and ethnic population groups that are undergoing rapid changes in lifestyle. In general, cardiovascular risk factors, including lipoprotein concentrations, are accumulating. These factors suggest that the public health impact of coronary heart disease will increase as these populations undergo further lifestyle changes.

Adult↗

Effects of diet and exercise on qualitative and quantitative measures of LDL and its susceptibility to oxidation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an intensive diet and exercise program on the quantity and quality of LDL as well as its susceptibility to in vitro oxidation. The diet was low in fat (< 10% kcal) and cholesterol (< 100 mg/d), while high in complex, unrefined carbohydrates (> 70% kcal) and fiber (35 g/1000 kcal). The study was composed of 80 participants in a 3-week residential program where food was provided ad libitum and there was daily aerobic exercise, primarily walking. In each subject, preparticipation and postparticipation fasting blood samples were drawn and LDL was isolated via density gradient ultracentrifugation. LDL particle diameter was determined by gradient gel electrophoresis of serum (n = 23). Isolated LDL was either separated into 6 subfractions by saline gradient equilibrium ultracentrifugation (n = 26) or subjected to in vitro copper oxidation (n = 32). Significant reductions (P < .01) in serum levels of cholesterol (20%). LDL-cholesterol (20%), HDL-cholesterol (17%), triglycerides (26%), and glucose (16%) as well as in body weight (4%) were noted for the total population. The mean particle diameter of the LDL increased (24.2 +/- 0.2 to 25.1 +/- 0.14 nm, P < .01) and was correlated with the reduction in serum triglycerides (r = .58, P < .01). Six of 22 subjects changed in LDL phenotype from B (< or = 25.5 nm) to A (> 25.5 nm). The percentage of LDL-cholesterol carried in the more dense subfractions fell significantly, while that carried by the less dense fractions increased. Initial oxidation levels fell (21%), while the lag time before copper-induced oxidation increased (13%). Reductions were observed in both the rate of oxidation (16%) and peak oxidation (20%). All of these changes should result in a dramatic reduction in the risk for atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae.

Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in American Indians and its relation to plasma lipoproteins and diabetes. The Strong Heart Study.

Apo E is an important genetic factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death among American Indians. We investigated the occurrence of the apo E alleles and the relation between apo E polymorphism and blood lipoproteins and apoproteins in members of 13 American Indian communities in three geographic areas. The frequencies of the epsilon 2 alleles in American Indians are significantly lower than those in white Americans, with the lowest frequencies of epsilon 2 in American Indians who reside in Arizona. Levels of LDL cholesterol and apo B were highest in those with epsilon 4 and lowest in those with epsilon 2. Concentrations of HDL cholesterol and apo A-I, however, tended to be lowest in epsilon 4 and highest in epsilon 2. Concentrations of total and VLDL triglycerides were lowest in the epsilon 3 group and higher in groups epsilon 2 and epsilon 4. Differences in concentrations of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apo B, and apo A-I with apo E polymorphism were greater in women than in men, and differences in total and VLDL triglyceride concentrations by apo E phenotype were greater in men. Relations of total and VLDL triglycerides with apo E phenotype were stronger in women after menopause. In addition, differences in nearly all lipid and apoprotein concentrations between postmenopausal women and premenopausal women were greater if they had epsilon 2. Relations between apo E phenotype and lipoproteins were seen in individuals with diabetes mellitus as well as in nondiabetics. Apo E was significantly related to glucose control in diabetic women; those with epsilon 3 had higher glucose and hemoglobin A1C concentrations. Our findings show that (1) American Indians have low frequencies of apo epsilon 2; (2) apo E phenotype can influence levels of VLDL, LDL, HDL, apo B, and apo A-I; (3) the associations of apo E polymorphisms with lipid parameters differ between men and women; and (4) the associations in women of apo E polymorphisms with lipid parameters are modified by menopausal status.

Aged↗

Report of the American Diabetes Association's Task Force on standardization of the insulin assay.

Recent large-scale epidemiological studies demonstrate that blood concentrations of immunoreactive insulin predict the development of NIDDM and IDDM and are associated with the risk of several degenerative diseases, such as coronary and peripheral vessel atherosclerosis, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The reliability of these measurements is dependent on a biological assay that has not been well standardized between laboratories. Recognizing this, the American Diabetes Association organized a task force to assess comparability of blood insulin measurements between laboratories and to suggest techniques to improve comparability. The task force found that identical serum and plasma samples measured in different laboratories produced widely disparate values that were unacceptable for population comparisons. Use of a single reference standard did little to improve comparability. Assay characteristics such as linearity, recovery, accuracy, and cross-reactivity to proinsulin and its primary conversion intermediates varied among the laboratories, and they did not readily explain differences in the measurements made from assay to assay. Use of the same assay kit in different laboratories did not always ensure comparable measurements. Linear regression of assay results from one laboratory to an arbitrarily chosen reference assay greatly improved comparability and demonstrated the potential value in comparing each assay to a reference method. The task force report defines acceptable assay characteristics and proposes a three-step process of insulin assay proficiency and comparability. A central reference assay and ongoing sample exchange will be needed to allow reliable comparisons of insulin measurements made in different laboratories. Rigorous quality control and continuous quality improvement are needed to maintain reliability of the insulin measurement.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

Diabetes and coronary heart disease in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death among American Indians. However, information on the prevalence of CHD and its association with known risk factors is limited. The purpose of the Strong Heart Study is to quantify CHD and its risk factors among three geographically diverse groups of American Indians. The population consists of 4,549 adults between 45 and 74 years of age in 13 Indian communities in Arizona, Oklahoma, and South and North Dakota. The phase I examination (1989-1991) revealed very high prevalence rates of diabetes that ranged from 33 to 72% in men and women in the three centers. Prevalence rates of definite myocardial infarction (MI) and definite CHD were higher in men than in women in all three centers (P < 0.0001) and in those with diabetes (P = 0.002 and P = 0.0003 in women and men respectively). Diabetes was associated with a relatively greater increase in prevalence of MI (prevalence rate = 3.8 vs. 1.9) and CHD (prevalence rate = 4.6 vs. 1.8) in women than in men. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of CHD among American Indians was significantly related to age, diabetes, hypertension, albuminuria, percentage of body fat, smoking, high concentrations of plasma insulin, and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol. Lower prevalence rates of CHD were found in Arizona despite higher rates of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and albuminuria; these lower rates may be in part related to lower smoking frequency and lower concentrations of total and LDL cholesterol. These findings from the baseline Strong Heart Study examination emphasize the relative importance of diabetes and its associated variables as risk factors for CHD among American Indian populations.

Adult↗

The GENNID Study. A resource for mapping the genes that cause NIDDM.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a resource, consisting of comprehensive data and lymphoblastoid cell lines, of well-characterized NIDDM families that will be available to the scientific community for genetic studies of NIDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, African-American, and Japanese-American multiplex NIDDM families, with a minimum of one affected sib-pair, are being collected by the eight Harold Rifkin Family Acquisition Centers. Detailed family and medical histories are obtained from all participants. Family members with diabetes have fasting blood samples drawn, while nondiabetic family members have an oral glucose tolerance test and, when possible, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion measurements by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing or euglycemic insulin clamp. Lymphoblastoid cell lines are established for all participants. RESULTS: Over 1,400 individuals from approximately 220 families have been studied since the start of the GENNID (Genetics of NIDDM) program in July 1993. The goal is that by July 1997, data from 300 non-Hispanic white families, > 100 Hispanic families, > 100 African-American families, and 15 Japanese-American families will have been collected. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of the genes responsible for NIDDM may now be achievable, but only if sound phenotypic data are linked to genetic material from a large number of well-described multiplex families. The GENNID project of the American Diabetes Association is creating a comprehensive resource that will expedite the identification of the genetic basis of NIDDM.

Black or African American↗

Coronary heart disease prevalence and its relation to risk factors in American Indians. The Strong Heart Study.

Although coronary heart disease (CHD) is currently the leading cause of death among American Indians, information on the prevalence of CHD and its association with known cardiovascular risk factors is limited. The Strong Heart Study was initiated in 1988 to quantify cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among three geographically diverse groups of American Indians. Members of 13 Indian communities in Arizona, Oklahoma, and South and North Dakota between 45 and 74 years of age underwent a physical examination that included medical history; an electrocardiogram; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements; an oral glucose tolerance test; and measurements of fasting plasma lipoproteins, fibrinogen, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and urinary albumin. Prevalence rates of definite myocardial infarction and definite CHD were higher in men than in women at all three centers (p < 0.0001) and higher in those with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002 in men and p = 0.0003 in women). Diabetes was associated with relatively higher prevalence rates of myocardial infarction (diabetic:nondiabetic prevalence ratio = 3.8 vs. 1.9) and CHD (prevalence ratio = 4.6 vs. 1.8) in women than in men. Prevalence rates of heart disease were lowest in the communities in Arizona; prevalence rates were similar in Oklahoma and South Dakota/North Dakota and were two- to threefold higher than those in Arizona. By logistic regression, prevalent CHD among American Indians was significantly and independently related to age, diabetes, hypertension, albuminuria, percentage of body fat, smoking, high concentrations of plasma insulin, and low concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. In contrast to reports from other non-Indian populations, diabetes was the strongest risk factor. The lower prevalence of CHD among Indians in Arizona is distinctive in view of their higher rates of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and albuminuria, but it may be partly related to their low frequency of smoking and their low concentrations of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. These findings from the initial Strong Heart Study examination emphasize the importance of diabetes and its associated variables as risk factors for CHD in Native American populations.

Aged↗

Cardiovascular disease risk factors among American Indians. The Strong Heart Study.

The Strong Heart Study, a study of cardiovascular disease among American Indians, was conducted to determine cardiovascular disease rates and the prevalence of risk factors among members of 13 tribal groups in South Dakota/North Dakota (SD/ND), southeastern Oklahoma, and Arizona. From 1989 to 1992, 4,549 tribal members aged 45-74 years (62% of eligible participants) were surveyed and examined for cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Mean total cholesterol concentrations were over 20 mg/dl lower among the men and 27 mg/dl lower among the women than national mean levels for the same age groups. Cholesterol levels varied by tribal group; Arizona Indians had mean levels more than 20 mg/dl lower than those of SD/ND Indians. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was almost twice as high among SD/ND Indians as among Arizona Indians, but the rates for all three groups were much lower than total US rates (all races). Mean levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower among Indian men and women than in the US population as a whole. The prevalence of hypertension among Arizona and Oklahoma Indians was higher than that for the entire United States. SD/ND Indians had significantly lower mean blood pressures and prevalence rates of hypertension than Oklahoma and Arizona Indians and the United States as a whole. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher for all Indian groups except Arizona women in comparison with US rates. Smoking rates were highest in SD/ND and lowest in Arizona. Indian smokers smoked fewer cigarettes per day than the average US smoker. Arizona Indians had the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus; over 60% of those participants were diabetic. In Oklahoma and SD/ND, one third of the men and over 40% of the women were diabetic. In addition, 13-20% of the participants had impaired glucose tolerance. Proteinuria was also a common problem; almost half of the Arizona Indians had micro- or macroalbuminuria, and 20% of Oklahoma and SD/ND Indians had significant proteinuria. The prevalence of obesity was high in all three groups, with Arizona Indians having the highest rates and the highest mean body mass indices. The prevalence of current alcohol use was lower among Indians than in the nation as a whole, but binge drinking was common among those who used alcohol. These results indicate that cardiovascular disease risk factors vary significantly among tribal groups. Prevention programs tailored toward decreasing the prevalence of risk factors are recommended for long-term reduction of cardiovascular disease rates in American Indian communities.

Aged↗

Polyunsaturated fatty acids result in greater cholesterol lowering and less triacylglycerol elevation than do monounsaturated fatty acids in a dose-response comparison in a multiracial study group.

Cholesterol-lowering effects of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were compared as they were varied in a reciprocal dose-dependent fashion in the context of a National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step 1 diet. The study population comprised 63 moderately hypercholesterolemic African American and white men and women. After a 6-wk baseline diet containing 37% of energy from total fat and 15% from saturated fat, participants consumed four diets for 6 wk each, in random order, containing 10% of energy as saturated fatty acids; 3%, 6%, 10%, and 14% of energy as polyunsaturated fatty acids; and 17%, 14%, 10%, and 6% of energy as monounsaturated fatty acids. Dietary cholesterol, fiber, plant sterol, and squalene contents were constant with all four diets. There was a progressive decrease in total (P = 0.028) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.184) across the four diets, with the greatest decrease observed in the diet with the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids; a small but significant decrease in high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that did not show a trend between the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated diets; and a trend between the four diets in triacylglycerol elevations (P = 0.029), with the smallest increment occurring in the diets highest in polyunsaturates. The magnitude of the cholesterol-lowering response was greater in those with higher baseline cholesterol and less in those who were more obese. The dietary response was similar in both ethnic groups and in both sexes. In conclusion, in an NCEP Step 1 diet containing 30% total fat, with all other known cholesterol-influencing dietary factors held constant, the substitution of polyunsaturated fatty acid for monounsaturated fatty acid from 3% to 14% resulted in a progressive decline in total cholesterol and less triacylglycerol elevations, without effect on HDL cholesterol.

Adult↗

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in three American Indian populations aged 45-74 years. The Strong Heart Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence rates of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in three American Indian populations, using standardized diagnostic criteria, and to assess the association of diabetes with the following selected possible risk factors: age, obesity, family history of diabetes, and amount of Indian ancestry. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved enrolled members, men and women aged 45-74 years, of 13 American Indian tribes or communities in Arizona, Oklahoma, and South and North Dakota. Eligible participants were invited to the clinic for a personal interview and a physical examination. Diabetes and IGT status were defined by the World Health Organization criteria and were based on fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test results. Data on age, family history of diabetes, and amount of Indian ancestry were obtained from the personal interview, and measures of obesity included body mass index, percentage body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio. RESULTS: A total of 4,549 eligible participants were examined, and diabetes status was determined for 4,304 (1,446 in Arizona, 1,449 in Oklahoma, and 1,409 in the Dakotas). In all three centers, diabetes was more prevalent in women than in men. Arizona had the highest age-adjusted rates of diabetes: 65% in men and 72% in women. Diabetes rates in Oklahoma (38% in men and 42% in women) and South and North Dakota (33% in men and 40% in women), although considerably lower than in Arizona, were several times higher than those reported for the U.S. population. Rates of IGT among the three populations (14-17%) were similar to those in the U.S. population. Diabetes rates were positively associated with age, level of obesity, amount of Indian ancestry, and parental diabetes status. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is found in epidemic proportions in Native American populations. Prevention programs and periodic screening should be implemented among American Indians. Standards of care and intervention have been developed by the Indian Health Service for individuals in whom diabetes is diagnosed. These programs should be expanded to include those with IGT to improve glycemic control or to reduce the risk of development of diabetes as well as to reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Age Factors↗

Prevalence of adult-onset IDDM in the U.S. population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of adult-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in a nationally representative sample of adults 30-74 years of age. Although it is a widely held belief that onset of IDDM in adults is rare, there are few objective data to support this. Adult-onset IDDM may represent a disease that is biologically distinct from youth-onset IDDM, and it would be important to distinguish these two entities. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) contained a national probability sample of 12,102 subjects 30-74 years of age in the U.S. population. All subjects with diabetes diagnosed by a physician before the survey were identified. Cases of IDDM defined by age at diagnosis > or = 30 years, continuous or nearly continuous insulin treatment since diagnosis of diabetes, and relative body weight < or = 125 were classified as adult-onset IDDM. RESULTS: Subjects with adult-onset IDDM represented 0.30% of the U.S. population 30-74 years of age and 7.4% of all diabetic patients diagnosed at 30-74 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that onset of IDDM in adults is uncommon. Given the limitations of the survey instrument, subclinical or slowly progressive IDDM (as distinguished from non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with progressive loss of beta-cell function) would not have been detected, and these would constitute additional cases of adult-onset IDDM. However, the data suggest that a very large population base would be required to identify sufficient numbers of adult-onset IDDM cases for study of the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease.

Adult↗

Discordant metabolic actions of insulin in extreme lipodystrophy of childhood.

Congenital lipodystrophy includes a group of disorders characterized by total or partial absence of adipose tissue and insulin resistance. In this study we investigated the nature of insulin resistance in an 11-yr-old girl with one form of congenital lipodystrophy. We examined in vivo insulin and glycemic responses to feeding and iv glucose and in vitro amino acid and thymidine incorporation responses of skin fibroblasts to insulin exposure. In addition, we used stable isotope infusions of glucose, glycerol, and amino acids to investigate the in vivo metabolic actions of insulin on carbohydrate, fat, and protein. At 5 yr of age, she first demonstrated clinical glucose intolerance. Her basal insulin levels were normal (129 and 114 pmol/L), but increased markedly (peak values, 1304 and 5045 pmol/L) after iv glucose and a mixed meal. Insulin antibodies were undetectable, and specific [125I]insulin binding to her skin fibroblasts was normal. Both [3H]aminoisobutyric acid transport and [3H]thymidine incorporation by her fibroblasts were similar to responses obtained using control cells. At 11 5/12 yr of age, while receiving an infusion of stable isotopes, infusions of insulin at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 U/kg BW.h were ineffective in reducing her blood glucose despite elevating her serum insulin level to approximately 2500 pmol/L. Resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, VCO2, carbohydrate and lipid oxidation rates, glucose production rate, glycerol appearance rate, and plasma glycerol concentrations were unperturbed by the insulin infusions. By contrast, the insulin infusions reduced plasma leucine concentrations (124.2 to 86.1 to 66.7 mumol/L) and 13CO2 production rates (0.034 to 0.017 to 0.011 mumol/kg/min; baseline, 0.1, and 0.3 U insulin/kg.h, respectively). The leucine appearance rate declined (1.96 to 1.72 mumol/kg.min) in response to the 0.1 U/kg.h dose, but did not decline further in response to the 0.3 U/kg.h dose. The leucine oxidation rate also declined (0.87 to 0.39 to 0.25 mumol/kg.min), and there was a dose-related reduction in most plasma amino acid concentrations. Finally, nonoxidative leucine disposal increased progressively (1.09, 1.34, and 1.48 mumol/kg.min), suggestive of an insulin-induced increase in protein synthesis. These data indicate profound metabolic resistance to the carbohydrate and lipid actions of insulin, with preservation of protein anabolism. These observations suggest that in this patient, the biological effects of insulin on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein are distinct metabolic actions, regulated independently.

Amino Acids↗

Effects of low-protein diets on protein metabolism in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients with early nephropathy.

The dietary protein requirements of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are unknown. We studied the metabolic adaptation of IDDM patients with early nephropathy to therapeutic, low-protein diets. Six patients were studied at baseline and following 1 and 12 weeks of consuming 0.6 g/kg-1 ideal body weight.day-1 protein. Outcome variables included quadriceps muscle strength, body composition, nitrogen balance, and estimates of whole body protein turnover using an infusion of L-[1-13C]leucine. All subjects experienced decreased muscle strength (6.6% decline in maximal torque, P = 0.05) and increased body fatness (11% increase in fat mass, P = 0.03) with no change in total body weight. This was accompanied by an initial 40% decrease in the rate of whole-body leucine oxidation after 1 week of dietary restriction which returned almost to baseline rates by 12 weeks (P less than 0.001, 1 week vs. 12 weeks). Nitrogen balance remained negative throughout the period of protein restriction. We conclude that IDDM subjects with early nephropathy experience protein undernutrition during the first 3 months of the dietary protein restriction currently recommended for the treatment of nephropathy. This may result, in part, from an inability to conserve essential amino acids from oxidative loss over the time period of the study.

Adult↗

Successful pregnancy outcome in association with lipoatrophic diabetes mellitus.

Lipoatrophic diabetes mellitus is a rare syndrome characterized by lipoatrophy and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus. Partial lipodystrophy without clinical diabetes mellitus has been associated with intrauterine growth retardation and fetal death. We report successful pregnancy outcomes in two women with lipoatrophic diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗