Diabetogenic Effects of Pregnancy in Sows on Plasma Glucose and Insulin Release

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Data from glucose tolerance tests of gestating sows were correlated with their subsequent reproductive performance. The regression of the logarithm of plasma glucose concentrations on time was used to calculate tolerance time (the time required for elevated glucose levels to return to fasting levels), the half-life of added glucose, and the glucose clearance rate (percent glucose disappearance per minute). Tolerance time was positively correlated (P<.05) with mean piglet birth weight, while sow body weight was positively correlated (P<.05) with the number born and litter weight. From the tolerance time, a prediction model for mean piglet birth weight was generated which accounted for 51% of the variation. No improvement in the model was made by the inclusion of parity or sow weight. In a second study, the diabetogenic effects of pregnancy in sows were examined by use of the glucose tolerance test and measured plasma insulin levels following infusion of glucose. Tolerance times increased with the progression of gestation as did the half-life of added glucose. The clearance rate of glucose decreased as pregnancy advanced. Fasting plasma insulin levels did not differ as pregnancy proceeded. The insulin release pattern following intravenous glucose, as described by quadratic equations, did differ as pregnancy advanced, especially in late gestation. The high plasma insulin plateaus were of longer duration with advanced gestation, while the magnitude of the plasma insulin plateau levels decreased. The area and minima of the quadratic curves describing insulin levels showed that time until the minima of plasma insulin levels was reached was positively correlated with the tolerance time. The minima increased with advanced gestation, thus suggesting a prolonged release of insulin; the area was not significantly correlated with glucose tolerance. Copyright © 1978. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1978 by American Society of Animal Science.