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Diabetologia
Published in: Diabetologia 10/2005

01-10-2005 | Article

Visceral fat and beta cell function in non-diabetic humans

Authors: A. Gastaldelli, A. M. Sironi, D. Ciociaro, V. Positano, E. Buzzigoli, D. Giannessi, M. Lombardi, A. Mari, E. Ferrannini

Published in: Diabetologia | Issue 10/2005

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Abstract

Aims/hypothesis

Preferential visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation has been clearly associated with insulin resistance. In contrast, the impact of visceral obesity on beta cell function is controversial.

Methods

In 62 non-diabetic women and men (age 24–69 years, BMI 21–39 kg/m2), we measured VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) fat mass by magnetic resonance imaging. We also measured insulin secretion and beta cell function by C-peptide deconvolution and physiological modelling of data from a frequently sampled, 75-g, 3-h OGTT, respectively.

Results

VAT (range 0.1–3.1 kg) was strongly related to sex, age and BMI; SAT was related to sex and BMI. Controlling for sex, age, BMI and SAT by multivariate analysis, excess VAT was associated with a clinical phenotype comprising higher plasma glucose levels, BP, heart rate and serum transaminases. The corresponding metabolic phenotype consisted of insulin resistance (partial r=−0.38) and hyperinsulinaemia (partial r=0.29). The latter, however, was appropriate for the degree of insulin resistance regardless of obesity and abdominal fat distribution. Moreover, none of the model-derived parameters describing beta cell function (glucose sensitivity, rate sensitivity and potentiation) was independently associated with excess VAT.

Conclusions/interpretation

In non-diabetic Caucasian adults of either sex, preferential visceral fat deposition in itself is part of an insulin-resistant phenotype. The insulin secretory response to a physiological challenge is increased to fully compensate for the insulin resistance, but the dynamics of beta cell function (glucose sensitivity, rate sensitivity and potentiation) are largely preserved.
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Metadata
Title
Visceral fat and beta cell function in non-diabetic humans
Authors
A. Gastaldelli
A. M. Sironi
D. Ciociaro
V. Positano
E. Buzzigoli
D. Giannessi
M. Lombardi
A. Mari
E. Ferrannini
Publication date
01-10-2005
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Diabetologia / Issue 10/2005
Print ISSN: 0012-186X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0428
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-005-1891-3

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