Abnormalities in carbohydrate tolerance associated with elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acids.

Abstract

A simple method has been described for producing an acute and sustained elevation of the plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) level. The results of this study indicate that in man an elevation in plasma NEFA concentration may be associated with an impaired glucose tolerance and decreased target organ sensitivity to insulin. The degree of impairment in carbohydrate tolerence is closely correlated with the elevation in the plasma NEFA level. After growth hormone administration the rise in plasma NEFA is temporally related to the appearence of insulin antagonism. These studies support the concept that several of the abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism associated with growth hormone administration, starvation, pregnancy, obesity, and diabetes mellitus may be a consequence, at least in part, of the elevated nonesterified fatty acid levels characteristic of these conditions.