Understanding the impact of hypoglycemia on the cardiovascular system.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoglycemia occurs commonly in insulin requiring individuals with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. AREAS COVERED: This article will review recent information on the pro-inflammatory and pro-atherothrombotic effects of hypoglycemia. Additionally, effects of hypoglycemia on arrhythmogenic potential and arterial endothelial dysfunction will be discussed. Effects of hypoglycemia on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality from large clinical studies in Type 1 and Type 2 DM will also be reviewed. EXPERT COMMENTARY: The relative and absolute risk of severe hypoglycemia leading to death and serious adverse events in both cardiovascular and other organ systems has been highlighted following the publication of recent large clinical trials focused on glucose control and outcomes. It would be helpful if future studies could develop broader end points to include minor and moderate hypoglycemia as well as more robust methods for capturing hypoglycemia contemporaneously with adverse events. In addition, perhaps consideration of including hypoglycemia as a primary outcome, may help identify the possible cause and effect of hypoglycemia on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Effects of equivalent sympathetic activation during hypoglycemia on endothelial function and pro-atherothrombotic balance in healthy individuals and obese standard treated type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies in type 2 diabetes have reported an association between hypoglycemia and severe cardiovascular adverse events, which are relatively increased in standard versus intensively treated individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of equivalent sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity during moderate hypoglycemia on in-vivo endothelial function, pro-inflammatory, pro-atherothrombotic, and pro-coagulant responses in healthy and standard treated type 2 diabetes individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eleven type 2 diabetes and 16 healthy individuals participated in single 2day studies. Day 1 involved a 2h hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp and day 2, a 2h hyperinsulinemic/hypoglycemic clamp of 3.2±1mmol/L in type 2 diabetes and (2.9±0.1mmol/L) in healthy individuals. RESULTS: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, PAI-1, VEGF and endothelin-1 (ET-1) fell during hyperinsulinemic euglycemia but increased during hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals. Epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were equivalent during hypoglycemia in type 2 DM and healthy individuals. However, despite similar SNS drive but milder and hypoglycemia there were greater ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PAI-1, VEGF and ET-1 responses in the type 2 diabetes group. Endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide mediated arterial vasodilation were also impaired only during hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, milder hypoglycemia but equivalent SNS activation results in more diffuse endothelial dysfunction and a greater pro-inflammatory, pro-atherothrombotic and pro-coagulant state in standard treated type 2 diabetes as compared to healthy individuals.

Acute Effects of Oral Dehydroepiandrosterone on Counterregulatory Responses During Repeated Hypoglycemia in Healthy Humans.

We tested the hypothesis that acute administration of oral dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during episodes of repeated hypoglycemia can prevent the development of hypoglycemia-associated neuroendocrine and autonomic failure in healthy humans. Twenty-seven individuals (16 men, 11 women) participated in two separate randomized, single-blind, 2-day protocols. Day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h hypoglycemic clamps (2.9 mmol/L) with 800 mg of DHEA or placebo administered before each clamp. Day 2 consisted of a single 2-h hypoglycemic clamp (2.9 mmol/L) following either DHEA (1,600 mg) or placebo. A 3-tritiated glucose was used to determine glucose kinetics during hypoglycemia on day 2. Antecedent hypoglycemia with placebo resulted in significant reductions of epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, growth hormone, cortisol, endogenous glucose production, and lipolytic and symptom responses. During hypoglycemia on day 2, DHEA prevented blunting of all neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system (ANS), metabolic, and symptom counterregulatory responses following hypoglycemia on day 1. In summary, DHEA can acutely preserve a wide range of key neuroendocrine, ANS, and metabolic counterregulatory homeostatic responses during repeated hypoglycemia. We conclude that DHEA may have acute effects to protect against hypoglycemia-associated neuroendocrine and autonomic failure in healthy humans.

Comparative effects of acute hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia on pro-atherothrombotic biomarkers and endothelial function in non-diabetic humans.

BACKGROUND: The comparative effects of acute moderate hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia on in vivo endothelial function together with pro-inflammatory and pro-atherothrombotic responses in healthy individuals have not been determined. METHODS: To investigate this question, 45 healthy subjects were compared during glucose clamp studies consisting of euinsulinemic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemia (plasma glucose 11.1mmol/L, both with pancreatic clamps) and hyperinsulinemic euglycemia and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose 5.1 and 2.9mmol/L, respectively). Two-dimensional Doppler ultrasound was used to determine brachial artery endothelial function. RESULTS: Insulin levels during euinsulinemia hyperglycemia were 194±23 and (850±49-988±114) pmol/L during all hyperinsulinemic protocols. Responses of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, P-selectin, PAI-1, and IL-6 were increased (p<0.05-0.0001) during euinsulinemic hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia as compared to hyperinsulinemic euglycemia or hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemia. PAI-1 was increased (p<0.04) during hypoglycemia as compared to euinsulinemic hyperglycemia, and TNF-α responses were also increased during hypoglycemia as compared to hyperinsulinemic euglycemia or hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemia (p<0.05). In vivo endothelial function was similarly blunted by acute moderate hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: In summary, acute moderate hypoglycemia and euinsulinemic hyperglycemia can result in similar endothelial dysfunction and pro-atherothrombotic responses. Fibrinolytic balance was reduced by a greater extent by hypoglycemia as compared to moderate hyperglycemia. Acutely, hyperinsulinemia can prevent the acute pro-atherothrombotic and pro-inflammatory effects of moderate hyperglycemia but not hypoglycemia.

Cardiovascular effects of anti-diabetes drugs.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease remains the major contributor to morbidity and mortality in diabetes. From the need to reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetes and to ensure that such risk is not exacerbated by drug treatments, governmental regulators and drug manufacturers have focused on clinical trials evaluating cardiovascular outcomes. AREAS COVERED: Findings from mechanistic and clinical trials of biguanides, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors will be reviewed. These drug classes will be compared within the context of available cardiovascular outcomes data. Clinical implications of new study regulations will be examined. EXPERT OPINION: Recent cardiovascular studies provide a more comprehensive evaluation of specific anti-diabetes therapy in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. Long-term effects of anti-hyperglycemic agents in patients with lower cardiovascular risk are still speculative. Historical data supports continued use of metformin as a first-line agent. DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have neutral effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The significantly decreased cardiovascular risk associated with empagliflozin SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy is impressive and may change how practitioners prescribe add-on therapy to metformin.

Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor Activation on Counterregulatory Responses to Subsequent Exercise in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes.

The effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor activation on physiologic responses during next-day exercise in type 1 diabetes are unknown. To test the hypothesis that GABA A activation with the benzodiazepine alprazolam would blunt counterregulatory responses during subsequent exercise, 29 (15 male, 14 female) individuals with type 1 diabetes (HbA1c 7.8 ± 1%) were studied during separate 2-day protocols. Day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h euglycemic or 2.9 mmol/L hypoglycemic clamps with or without 1 mg alprazolam given 30 min before each clamp. Day 2 consisted of a 90-min euglycemic cycling exercise at 50% VO2max Tritiated glucose was used to measure glucose kinetics. Despite equivalent day 2 insulin (93 ± 6 pmol/L) and glucose levels (5.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L), plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone responses were similarly reduced after alprazolam or day 1 hypoglycemia compared with euglycemic control. Endogenous glucose production, lipolysis (glycerol, nonesterified fatty acid), and glycogenolysis (lactate) were also reduced during day 2 exercise after day 1 GABA A activation. We conclude that activation of GABA A receptors with alprazolam can result in widespread neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system, and metabolic counterregulatory failure during subsequent submaximal exercise and may increase the risk of exercise-associated hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Concentrated insulins: the new basal insulins.

INTRODUCTION: Insulin therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is still a need to find basal insulins with 24-hour coverage and reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Additionally, with increasing obesity and insulin resistance, the ability to provide clinically necessary high doses of insulin at low volume is also needed. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights the published reports of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and glucodynamic properties of concentrated insulins: Humulin-R U500, insulin degludec U200, and insulin glargine U300, describes the clinical efficacy, risk of hypoglycemic, and metabolic changes observed, and finally, discusses observations about the complexity of introducing a new generation of concentrated insulins to the therapeutic market. CONCLUSION: Humulin-R U500 has a similar onset but longer duration of action compared with U100 regular insulin. Insulin glargine U300 has differential PK/pharmacodynamic effects when compared with insulin glargine U100. In noninferiority studies, glycemic control with degludec U200 and glargine U300 is similar to insulin glargine U100 and nocturnal hypoglycemia is reduced. Concentrated formulations appear to behave as separate molecular entities when compared with earlier U100 insulin analog compounds. In the review of available published data, newer concentrated basal insulins may offer an advantage in terms of reduced intraindividual variability as well as reducing the injection burden in individuals requiring high-dose and large volume insulin therapy. Understanding the PK and pharmacodynamic properties of this new generation of insulins is critical to safe dosing, dispensing, and administration.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin glargine-insulin glulisine basal-bolus and twice-daily premixed analog insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients during three standardized meals.

AIMS: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of basal insulin glargine with mealtime insulin glulisine or twice daily 75/25 premixed neutral protamine insulin lispro and insulin lispro in individuals with type 1 diabetes during three standardized meals over a 24 hour duration and compare to physiologic insulin and glucose responses in healthy non-diabetic individuals. METHODS: Twelve healthy (4 male/8 female) and thirteen individuals with type 1 diabetes (8 male/5 female) were studied during three sequential standardized meals. Individuals with type 1 diabetes received either glargine and glulisine injected 5 minutes subcutaneously before each meal or premixed insulin lispro injected 5 minutes before breakfast and dinner in a randomized fashion separated by eight weeks. RESULTS: The incremental systemic insulin AUC, maximal insulin concentration, and rate of rise of systemic insulin (0-30 minutes) during all three meal intervals were similar between glargine/glulisine and healthy controls. Incremental glucose AUC with glargine/glulisine was similar to controls at lunch and dinner. With premix 75/25 insulin, insulin AUC was lower and incremental glucose AUC was greater at lunch compared to the healthy and glargine/glulisine. Hypoglycemic events before lunch were greater with premix insulin group than with glargine/glulisine (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Glargine/glulisine pharmacokinetics in type 1 diabetes can closely approximate physiologic insulin responses in healthy individuals during a day in which three standardized meals are consumed. Additionally, when glulisine is dosed only five minutes pre-meal, systemic insulin concentration rises as rapidly as prandial endogenous insulin levels. This present study compared glargine and glulisine administered in an approximate 50/50 proportion. Future studies of alternate meal times, meal content and differing premixed insulin preparations are indicated.

Effects of Antecedent GABA A Receptor Activation on Counterregulatory Responses to Exercise in Healthy Man.

The aim of this study was to determine whether antecedent stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors with the benzodiazepine alprazolam can blunt physiologic responses during next-day moderate (90 min) exercise in healthy man. Thirty-one healthy individuals (16 male/15 female aged 28 ± 1 year, BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m(2)) were studied during separate, 2-day protocols. Day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic or hypoglycemic clamps with or without 1 mg alprazolam given 30 min before a clamp. Day 2 consisted of 90-min euglycemic cycling exercise at 50% VO2max. Despite similar euglycemia (5.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and insulinemia (46 ± 6 pmol/L) during day 2 exercise studies, GABA A activation with alprazolam during day 1 euglycemia resulted in significant blunting of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone responses. Lipolysis (glycerol, nonesterified fatty acids) and endogenous glucose production during exercise were also reduced, and glucose infusion rates were increased following prior euglycemia with alprazolam. Prior hypoglycemia with alprazolam resulted in further reduction of glucagon and cortisol responses during exercise. We conclude that prior activation of GABA A pathways can play a significant role in blunting key autonomous nervous system, neuroendocrine, and metabolic physiologic responses during next-day exercise in healthy man.

Effects of Acute and Antecedent Hypoglycemia on Endothelial Function and Markers of Atherothrombotic Balance in Healthy Humans.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of single and repeated episodes of clamped hypoglycemia on fibrinolytic balance, proinflammatory biomarkers, proatherothrombotic mechanisms, and endothelial function. Twenty healthy individuals (12 male and 8 female) were studied during separate 2-day randomized protocols. Day 1 consisted of either two 2-h hyperinsulinemic (812 ± 50 pmol/L)-euglycemic (5 ± 0.1 mmol/L) or hyperinsulinemic (812 ± 50 pmol/L)-hypoglycemic (2.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L) clamps. Day 2 consisted of a single 2-h hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp. Two-dimensional Doppler ultrasound was used to determine brachial arterial endothelial function. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, P-selectin, TAT (thrombin/antithrombin complex), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 responses were increased (P < 0.05) during single or repeated hypoglycemia compared with euglycemia. Endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation were both impaired by repeated hypoglycemia. Neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses were also blunted by repeated hypoglycemia (P < 0.05). In summary, acute moderate hypoglycemia impairs fibrinolytic balance; increases proinflammatory responses, platelet activation, and coagulation biomarkers; and reduces NO-mediated endothelial function in healthy individuals. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia further impair vascular function by additionally reducing exogenously NO-mediated endothelial function and increasing coagulation biomarkers. We conclude that despite reduced neuroendocrine and ANS responses, antecedent hypoglycemia results in greater endothelial dysfunction and an increased proatherothrombotic state compared with a single acute episode of hypoglycemia.

The cardiovascular effects of insulin.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetes mellitus. A causal link between insulin, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk has been investigated at the basic science level and studied in large clinical trials. AREAS COVERED: The cardiovascular actions of insulin and its role at the level of the endothelium will be reviewed. Cardiovascular outcomes in several large diabetes trials where insulin management was prominent will be summarized. EXPERT OPINION: The vascular actions of insulin are complex and mediated primarily via nitric oxide and endothelin-1. It appears that insulin resistance, rather than hyperinsulinemia itself, increases cardiovascular risk. In fact, hyperinsulinemia in the setting of normal beta cell function protects obese and insulin-resistant individuals from type 2 diabetes. Large clinical trials have supported that insulin management is not associated with increased adverse outcomes. A multifactorial approach targeting modifiable risk factors, including smoking cessation, blood pressure and lipid management, reduces cardiovascular risk. Therapy goals should be individualized and hypoglycemia, especially in individuals receiving insulin management, should be strictly avoided.

Empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Available anti-hyperglycemic therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is currently restricted to insulin, pramlintide, and pancreas or islet cell transplantation. The imperfect replication of normal insulin secretion and glucose control has been a driver for development of other anti-hyperglycemic agents for this population. Empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is currently under investigation as an add-on therapy to insulin in T1DM. AREAS COVERED: Within the drug evaluation, the authors describe the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors and preliminary results from studies investigating treatment in rodent models and in individuals with T1DM. EXPERT OPINION: Studies on adjunct therapeutic effects of empagliflozin in individuals with T1DM are limited, but initial reports show favorable effects on reducing HbA1c, body weight, total daily insulin dose and hypoglycemic events. Intriguingly, this drug may confer a degree of renal protection by reducing glomerular hyperfiltration that can arise in the diabetic state. Currently, the primary concern seems to be the presence of ketone levels indicating an under-insulinized state. Long-term effects can only be inferred from studies in type 2 diabetes mellitus at this time. Empagliflozin represents a novel non-insulin-mediated therapy that warrants further investigation.

Canagliflozin , an inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Canagliflozin is an orally administered sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor proposed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Canagliflozin improves glycemic control in an insulin-independent fashion through inhibition of glucose reuptake in the kidney. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the available data on the pharmacodynamics, the pharmacokinetics and metabolism, and the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin. Relevant articles were identified via PubMed using the search term canagliflozin with no date restriction. The authors also discuss the abstracts from canagliflozin studies presented at large diabetes conferences. EXPERT OPINION: Canagliflozin offers a relatively modest reduction in HbA1c, FPG, and PPG. It has a low incidence of hypoglycemia and a reduction in body weight. Dose adjustment may be recommended in the elderly, those on loop diuretics, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) if there are concerns or symptoms of volume-related side effects. Issues remain with observed increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the odds of heart attack and stroke. Canagliflozin offers a novel mechanism of action, a modest glycemic control, and a favorable side-effect profile. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in April 2013 and is undergoing evaluation by the European Medicines Agency.

Evaluation of colesevelam hydrochloride for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes often involves derangements in lipid levels in addition to insulin resistance and diminishing insulin secretion. Colesevelam hydrochloride, a bile acid sequestrant (BAS), is approved for adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. In clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes, colesevelam, added to existing metformin, sulfonylurea or insulin therapy, reduced hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) by a mean of 0.5% and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by 13-17%. AREAS COVERED: Information pertaining to colesevelam and other BAS was collected using a PubMed literature search of journal articles dating from 1960 to present. Additional articles were identified from bibliographies and from abstracts from American Diabetes Association conferences. The authors review the pharmacology of colesevelam as well as clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability data generated from clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Colesevelam induces moderate but significant improvements in HbA(1c) and LDL-C. Outcomes data are needed to determine whether or not colesevelam confers long-term protection against micro- and macrovascular complications. Although colesevelam does not induce weight gain, triglyceride levels tend to increase ~ 15%, the implications of which are unknown at this time. The mechanism(s) by which colesevelam improves glycemia are not yet understood but might involve enhanced meal-induced incretin secretion and altered farnesoid X receptor signaling.

Pramlintide and the treatment of diabetes: a review of the data since its introduction.

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial glucose excursions negatively affect glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular health. Pramlintide, an amylinomimetic, is approved for treatment of elevated postprandial glucose levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. AREAS COVERED: A literature search of PubMed was conducted to locate articles (up to January 2011) pertaining to original preclinical and clinical research and reviews of amylin and pramlintide. Additional sources were selected from reference lists within articles obtained through the original literature search and from the internet. This article describes the known effects of endogenous amylin and the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of pramlintide. Drug-drug interactions and safety and tolerability are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: Pramlintide significantly reduces hemoglobin A(1c) and body weight in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Newer research is focusing on weight loss effects of pramlintide and pramlintide plus metreleptin in nondiabetic obese individuals. Preliminary results of these studies are discussed.

Pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of aleglitazar for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with high cardiovascular risk.

INTRODUCTION: In preliminary clinical studies, aleglitazar, a new dual PPAR-α-γ agonist, has been demonstrated to improve hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review will provide up-to-date information on the clinical safety and efficacy of aleglitazar, which is currently under Phase III clinical investigation for reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome. AREAS COVERED: A PubMed literature search (January 1950 to February 2011) was conducted using the following search terms: aleglitazar, PPAR, PPAR α agonist, PPAR γ agonist and PPAR α/γ agonist. Additional articles were gathered using reference lists from sources obtained from the original literature search. This review summarizes available information pertaining to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical studies and safety/tolerability of aleglitazar. The effects of this new drug are compared and contrasted with those of fibrates (PPAR-α agonists), thiazolidinediones (PPAR-γ agonists) and other dual PPAR-α-γ agonists. EXPERT OPINION: Preliminary evidence from clinical studies with aleglitazar is promising, with reported improvements in glycemia, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and blood pressure. However, PPAR-α- and -γ-associated side effects have been observed and additional large-scale, long-term clinical studies are necessary to better understand the clinical implications of these effects.

Exercise-related hypoglycemia in diabetes mellitus.

Current recommendations are that people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus exercise regularly. However, in cases in which insulin or insulin secretagogues are used to manage diabetes, patients have an increased risk of developing hypoglycemia, which is amplified during and after exercise. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia blunt autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine and metabolic defenses (counter-regulatory responses) against subsequent episodes of falling blood glucose levels during exercise. Likewise, antecedent exercise blunts counter-regulatory responses to subsequent hypoglycemia. This can lead to a vicious cycle, by which each episode of either exercise or hypoglycemia further blunts counter-regulatory responses. Although contemporary insulin therapies cannot fully mimic physiologic changes in insulin secretion, people with diabetes have several management options to avoid hypoglycemia during and after exercise, including regularly monitoring blood glucose, reducing basal and/or bolus insulin, and consuming supplemental carbohydrates.

Dose-response effects of insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic dose-response effects of insulin glargine administered subcutaneously in individuals with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty obese type 2 diabetic individuals (10 male and 10 female, aged 50 +/- 3 years, with BMI 36 +/- 2 kg/m(2) and A1C 8.3 +/- 0.6%) were studied in this single-center, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study. Five subcutaneous doses of insulin glargine (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 units/kg) were investigated on separate occasions using the 24-h euglycemic clamp technique. RESULTS Glargine duration of action to reduce glucose, nonessential fatty acid (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels was close to or >24 h for all four doses. Increases in glucose flux revealed no discernible peak and were modest with maximal glucose infusion rates of 9.4, 6.6, 5.5, and 2.8 mumol/kg/min for the 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 units/kg doses, respectively. Glargine exhibited a relatively hepatospecific action with greater suppression (P < 0.05) of endogenous glucose production (EGP) compared with little or no increases in glucose disposal. CONCLUSION: A single subcutaneous injection of glargine at a dose of >or=0.5 units/kg can acutely reduce glucose, NEFA, and ketone body levels for 24 h in obese insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic individuals. Glargine lowers blood glucose by mainly inhibiting EGP with limited effects on stimulating glucose disposal. Large doses of glargine have minimal effects on glucose flux and retain a relatively hepatospecific action in type 2 diabetes.