The metabolic and hormonal response to acute normoglycaemia in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes: Studies with a glucose controlled insulin infusion system (artificial endocrine pancreas)

SummaryTwelve insulin deficient Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic subjects were studied over an 11 1/2 h period during both subcutaneous insulin therapy and closed loop insulin delivery, using a glucose controlled insulin infusion system (Biostator) programmed to maintain normoglycaemia. Results were compared with those from 21 age and weight-matched normal subjects. Using the Biostator, normoglycaemia was achieved in all diabetic subjects within 3.5 h and normal profiles maintained thereafter. Blood metabolite and hormone values were evaluated during the subsequent 8 h normoglycaemic period. Subcutaneous therapy resulted in abnormal glucose levels throughout the study period (mean 8 h value 8.3±0.7 compared with 5.6±0.3 mmol/l on feedback control and 5.5.±0.1 mmol/l in normal subjects). The mean value of lactate and pyruvate over the final 8 h period was 25% higher in diabetic patients than in normal subjects with no difference between the two insulin treatments (blood lactate: 0.94±0.04 on subcutaneous insulin, 0.91±0.04 on feedback control and 0.74±0.03 mmol/l in control subjects). The pre-prandial peaks of blood glycerol and plasma non-esterified fatty acids were significantly decreased or absent during both feedback control and subcutaneous therapy in comparison with the normal subjects, whereas after the midday and evening meals, total ketone body levels were significantly higher in the diabetic patients. Peripheral serum free insulin levels were two-to fourfold greater in the diabetic than in the normal subjects. There were no significant differences between levels in diabetic patients receiving subcutaneous insulin or on the Biostator. Glucose turnover (1600–1800 h) was normal on feedback control (1.41±0.20 versus 1.55±0.18 mg · kg-1 · min-1 in the normal subjects) but was significantly decreased during subcutaneous insulin (1.04±0.09 mg · kg-1 · min-1). There was, in addition, a decrease in glucose recycling during both subcutaneous insulin therapy and feedback control in the diabetic subjects. These data suggest that although fine control of glucose metabolism both in terms of circulating concentrations and rates of production can be achieved by feedback-control, insulin infusion by the peripheral route is associated with significant metabolic abnormalities, at least in the short term. Longer term studies and examination of portal insulin delivery seem warranted.