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European Journal of Applied Physiology
Published in:

18-12-2023 | Insulins | Original Article

Fasting for 48 h induced similar glucose intolerance in both sexes despite greater perceived stress and decreased estradiol levels in females

Authors: Rima Solianik, Katerina Židonienė, Neringa Baranauskienė, Marius Brazaitis

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of fasting for 48 h on the evoked insulin and glucose responses in males and females, and to explore factors such as stress and estrogen levels that might influence these responses.

Methods

Healthy, nonobese male (n = 14) and female (n = 14) subjects underwent 48-h fasting trial. Changes in glucose tolerance and insulin levels in response to the oral glucose tolerance test, subjectively perceived stress and catecholamine concentrations were measured in all participants. Estrogen levels were also measured in the female participants during the 48-h fast.

Results

Glucose area under the curve (AUC) values increased similarly in both sexes after 48-h fasting (P < 0.05), but females displayed a greater rise in insulin AUC values than males (P < 0.05). Fasting increased plasma epinephrine concentrations in both sexes (P < 0.05), whereas plasma norepinephrine concentrations and subjective stress increased only in females (P < 0.05). Plasma 17-β-estradiol concentrations in females decreased after fasting (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Fasting for 48 h induced a similar glucose intolerance in females and males, despite decreased 17-β-estradiol levels and greater psychological and physiological stress in females. These differences represent a plausible explanation for the gender-based differences observed in insulin responses.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545943) in September 19, 2022.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Fasting for 48 h induced similar glucose intolerance in both sexes despite greater perceived stress and decreased estradiol levels in females
Authors
Rima Solianik
Katerina Židonienė
Neringa Baranauskienė
Marius Brazaitis
Publication date
18-12-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05378-y

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