Studies on Serum Insulin-like Activity (ILA) In Prediabetes and Early Overt Diabetes

Abstract

The criteria for prediabetes employed in this study are genetic predisposition coexistent with normal glucose tolerance. Measurements of serum insulin-like activity (ILA) by the rat adipose technic are presented in offspring of diabetic parents. When compared to a matched control group, values for fasting ILA were elevated and an abnormal response to a rapid intravenous glucose load could be detected. Serial blood samples collected over a two-year period showed no change in ILA as long as the subjects retained normal glucose tolerance. Values for serum ILA of both youth-onset and maturity-onset untreated diabetic patients were found to be elevated when compared to normal controls but were not statistically different from values measured in the prediabetic group.