Exenatide Augments First- and Second-Phase Insulin Secretion in Response to Intravenous Glucose in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

Context: First-phase insulin secretion (within 10 min after a sudden rise in plasma glucose) is reduced in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The incretin mimetic exenatide has glucoregulatory activities in DM2, including glucose-dependent enhancement of insulin secretion. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether exenatide can restore a more normal pattern of insulin secretion in subjects with DM2. Design: Fasted subjects received iv insulin infusion to reach plasma glucose 4.4–5.6 mmol/liter. Subjects received iv exenatide (DM2) or saline (DM2 and healthy volunteers), followed by iv glucose challenge. Patients: Thirteen evaluable DM2 subjects were included in the study: 11 males, two females; age, 56 ± 7 yr; body mass index, 31.7 ± 2.4 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c, 6.6 ± 0.7% (mean ± sd) treated with diet/exercise (n = 1), metformin (n = 10), or acarbose (n = 2). Controls included 12 healthy, weight-matched subjects with normal glucose tolerance: nine males, three females; age, 57 ± 9 yr; and...