First-phase insulin release during the intravenous glucose tolerance test as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes

Objective: To determine the relationship between first-phase (1 minute + 3 minutes) insulin production during the intravenous glucose tolerance test (TV-GTT) and risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes. Study design: Relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes (n = 59,600) were screened for islet cell antibodies (ICAs). Subjects who had positive screening results underwent IV-GTT (greater than or equal to2 times), repeat ICA screening, insulin autoantibody (IAA) screening twice, and an oral glucose tolerance test. Results: Of the 59,600 subjects in the study, 2199 (3.69%) had positive findings on initial ICA test. IV-GTTs were performed in 1622 subjects, with children <8 years having the lowest first-phase insulin release (FPIR) and subjects 8 to 20 years of age having the highest FPIR. The FPIR was lower for subjects with a confirmed positive ICA test result or a positive IAA test result, subjects with higher titers of ICA or IAA, and subjects who had an abnormal (impaired or diabetic) oral glucose tolerance test result. Conclusion: FPIR in the IV-GTT correlates strongly with risk factors for development of type 1 diabetes.