Impact of early growth retardation on glucoregulatory control and insulin action in mature rats

Glucoregulation and insulin action were examined in adult female progeny of dams fed an 8% protein diet during gestation and lactation. Progeny were provided with standard (20%, protein) diet at weaning (24 days), at which time body weight was reduced by 21%. Basal (postabsorptive) endogenous glucose production (R(a)) and glucose utilization by oxidative muscles was decreased in offspring that had experienced early growth retardation. The glucose disappearance rate after intravenous glucose and the glucose infusion rate required to maintain euglycemia during insulin infusion were both increased (by 35 and 24%, respectively) by early growth retardation. insulin secretion was unimpaired. During euglyceluic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, R(a) was suppressed further; and there was a twofold greater increment in the stimulation of whole body glucose clearance rate in the offspring that experienced early growth retardation. Insulin-stimulated glucose utilization by peripheral tissues was unaffected.