Petrie JR, Minamisawa K, Morris AD, Elliott HL, Small M, Connell JMC
Salt depletion impairs insulin sensitivity in NIDDM
16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
ISH Abstract Book (Jun) 16: 1996

It has been suggested that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors increase insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients, possibly via angiotensin II (ANG II) withdrawal. However, acute administration of ANG II increases insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The authors therefore studied the effect of more chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin system on insulin-mediated glucose uptake in these patients.

Nine normotensive patients with diet-controlled NIDDM underwent hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp studies in a sodium-deplete (D) and replete (R) state in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Patients were studied after two four-day periods of low sodium diet (40 mmol/24 hours) during which they took either 120 mmol/24 hours of sodium tablets or placebo. 24 hour urinary sodium was 197 ñ SD 76.0 mmol (R) and 67 ñ 19.5 mmol (D), p < 0.01. Baseline ANG II levels were 4.9 ñ 5.8 (R) and 16.0 ñ 15.6 (D) pg/ml, p < 0.05. A reproducible insulin stimulus was achieved. Insulin sensitivity (M-value) was 7.8 ñ 2.0 mg kg-1 min-1 (R) and 6.5 ñ 2.2 mg kg-1 min-1 (D), p < 0.05. There were no significant differences in hepatic glucose production between the two conditions. Blood pressure was 130 ñ 20.6/78 ñ 11 mmHg (R) and 128 ñ 12/73 ñ 10 mmHg (D).

Comment: These data suggest that chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin system by sodium depletion leads to a deterioration in insulin sensitivity in normotensive patients with NIDDM. As insulin sensitivity is an important pathophysiological feature of NIDDM, larger studies should be performed examining the effect of following current dietary sodium recommendations (restriction to 40-mmol daily) on glycaemic control in hypertensive patients with NIDDM (Carmine Zoccali, M.D, Reggio Calabria, Italy).

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16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension
H: Pathophysiology : Salt (sodium, chloride) sensitivity
H: Special problems : Obesity, Insulin Resistance