Characterization of insulin resistance in type I diabetes

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Abstract
Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the euglycaemic clamp technique in eight type I diabetic patients (after overnight blood glucose normalization with an artificial pancreas) and in six healthy subjects. Basal insulin concentrations were higher in diabetic patients (25±4 µU/ml) than in control subjects (17±1 µU/ml;PP<0.05), whereas there were no differences regarding empty site affinities. Receptor data did not differ in patients with normal and decreased maximal dextrose requirements. Insulin resistance is apparently a common feature of type I diabetes at serum insulin concentrations of approximately 100 µU/ml. Normalization of the insulin effect by higher insulin concentrations is not possible in all patients. Insulin antibodies at concentrations observed in this study (<0.16 mU/ml) do not contribute significantly to insulin resistance; receptor and postreceptor defects are possibly more important.