scholarly journals Evaluation of fasting plasma insulin and proxy measurements to assess insulin sensitivity in horses

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Lindåse ◽  
Katarina Nostell ◽  
Peter Bergsten ◽  
Anders Forslund ◽  
Johan Bröjer
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Glucose Ratio

Abstract Background Proxies are mathematical calculations based on fasting glucose and/or insulin concentrations developed to allow prediction of insulin sensitivity (IS) and β-cell response. These proxies have not been evaluated in horses with insulin dysregulation. The first objective of this study was to evaluate how fasting insulin (FI) and proxies for IS (1/Insulin, reciprocal of the square root of insulin (RISQI) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)) and β-cell response (the modified insulin-to-glucose ratio (MIRG) and the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β)) were correlated to measures of IS (M index) using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) in horses with insulin resistance (IR) and normal IS. A second objective was to evaluate the repeatability of FI and proxies in horses based on sampling on consecutive days. The last objective was to investigate the most appropriate cut-off value for the proxies and FI. Results Thirty-four horses were categorized as IR and 26 as IS based on the M index. The proxies and FI had coefficients of variation (CVs) ≤ 25.3 % and very good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.89). All proxies and FI were good predictors of the M index (r = 0.76–0.85; P < 0.001). The proxies for IS had a positive linear relationship with the M index whereas proxies for β-cell response and FI had an inverse relationship with the M index. Cut-off values to distinguish horses with IR from horses with normal IS based on the M index were established for all proxies and FI using receiver operating characteristic curves, with sensitivity between 79 % and 91 % and specificity between 85 % and 96 %. The cut-off values to predict IR were < 0.32 (RISQI), < 0.33 (QUICKI) and > 9.5 µIU/mL for FI. Conclusions All proxies and FI provided repeatable estimates of horses’ IS. However, there is no advantage of using proxies instead of FI to estimate IR in the horse. Due to the heteroscedasticity of the data, proxies and FI in general are more suitable for epidemiological studies and larger clinical studies than as a diagnostic tool for measurement of IR in individual horses.

scholarly journals Leptin Levels, β-Cell Function, and Insulin Sensitivity in Families with Congenital and Acquired Generalized Lipoatropic Diabetes1

1998 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 503-508
Author(s):  
Victor C. Pardini ◽  
Ivana M. N. Victória ◽  
Selma M. V. Rocha ◽  
Danielle G. Andrade ◽  
Aline M. Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Temporal Relationship ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Homeostasis Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Insulin Levels ◽  
Β Cell Function ◽  
Plasma Leptin ◽  
Specific Insulin

Lipoatropic diabetes (LD) designates a group of syndromes characterized by diabetes mellitus with marked insulin resistance and either a localized or generalized absence of adipose tissue. In this study, we evaluated plasma leptin levels in subjects with congenital generalized lipoatropic diabetes (CGLD, n = 11) or acquired generalized lipoatropic diabetes (AGLD, n = 11), and assessed correlations between leptin levels and estimations of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Leptin levels were 0.86 ± 0.32, 1.76 ± 0.78, and 6.9 ± 4.4 ng/mL in subjects with CGLD, AGLD, and controls (n = 19), respectively (ANOVA P &lt; 0.0001). Specific insulin levels were 154 ± 172, 177 ± 137 and 43 ± 22 pmol/L, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). Insulin sensitivity was significantly decreased in both groups with LD (P&lt; 0.0001), whereas HOMA β-cell function was not significantly different when compared with controls. Leptin levels were significantly correlated with body mass index, insulin levels, and HOMA β-cell function, and inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity in control subjects but not in subjects with generalized LD. In conclusion, decreased leptin levels were observed in subjects with generalized LD, with a trend towards lower levels in the acquired than in the congenital form (P = 0.06). The temporal relationship between the decrease in leptin levels and the development of lipoatrophy should be investigated in at-risk young relatives of subjects with the acquired forms to assess the usefulness of leptin levels as a marker of lipoatrophy.

scholarly journals Uric acid lowering improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized parallel-controlled clinical trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-95
Author(s):  
Qunchuan Zong ◽  
Guanyi Ma ◽  
Tao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
Homeostasis Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Β Cell Function

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether uric acid lowering treatment can improve β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and China Biology Medicine were searched up to March 1, 2020. Rand- omized controlled clinical trials of urate lowering therapy in hyperuricemia patients were included in meta-analysis. Effect size was estimated as mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Our search yielded 7 eligible trials with 503 participants. This meta-analysis showed that uric acid-lowering thera- py decreased fasting insulin -1.43 μIU/ml (weighted mean differences (WMD, 95% CI -2.78 to -0.09), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance -0.65 (WMD, 95% CI -1.05 to -0.24), systolic blood pressure -2.45 mm Hg (WMD, 95%CI -4.57 to -0.33) and diastolic blood pressure -3.41 mm Hg (WMD, 95%CI -3.87 to -2.95). However, the treatment had no significant effect on fasting plasma glucose (WMD -0.19 mmol/L, 95%CI -0.42 to 0.05), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function index (WMD -0.02, 95%CI -0.28 to 0.24), total cholesterol (WMD 0.18 mg/dl; 95%CI, -1.39 to 1.75) and triglyceride (WMD 3.15 mg/dl, 95% CI -9.83 to 16.14). Conclusion: Uric acid-lowering therapies might improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood pressure, but had no significant effect on HOMA-β and serum lipids. Keywords: Hyperuricemia; uric acid lowering treatment; β-cell function; insulin sensitivity.

Circulating Spexin Decreased and Negatively Correlated with Systemic Insulin Sensitivity and Pancreatic β Cell Function in Obese Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Chen ◽  
Fengyun Wang ◽  
Zhenyu Chu ◽  
Ling Sun ◽  
Haitao Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Insulinogenic Index ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Pancreatic Β Cell ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Β Cell Function ◽  
Obese Subjects

Objectives: Spexin (SPX) is a novel peptide that has recently emerged as an important regulatory adipokine of obesity and related metabolic disease. Little is known about its role in children. The aim of the current study was to determine the potential role of SPX in obese children and explore its relationships with obesity-related markers, insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β cell function. Method: We studied the levels of serum SPX in 40 obese and 32 normal weight pre-puberty children (mean age was 8.59 ± 1.82 and 8.15 ± 2.03 years in obesity and control groups respectively). We investigated the levels of body mass index, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, Homeostasis model assessment for insulin-resistant (HOMA-IR, HOMA for β-cell function [HOMA-β]), insulinogenic index and C-peptide index and analyzed their correlations with SPX levels. Results: SPX levels were significantly decreased in obese children compared to controls. Moreover, serum SPX levels were lower in IR obese subjects in contrast with the non-IR obese subjects. Serum SPX concentrations correlated negatively and significantly with triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin level, HOMA-IR, insulinogenic index, and HOMA-β levels in obese children. Conclusions: In summary, serum SPX levels significantly decreased in obese children and negatively correlated with insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell function indicators. Therefore, SPX may play a protective role in the process of glucose homeostasis and is closely related to β cell function in obese children.

scholarly journals Glucose metabolic disorder in Klinefelter syndrome: a retrospective analysis in a single Chinese hospital and literature review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shixuan Liu ◽  
Tao Yuan ◽  
Shuoning Song ◽  
Shi Chen ◽  
Linjie Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Klinefelter Syndrome ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Β Cell Function

Abstract Background We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and islet β-cell function in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and hyperglycemia. Methods This is a retrospective study. In total, 22 patients diagnosed with KS were identified from the electronic medical record system, including 9 patients with hyperglycemia (total patients with hyperglycemia, THG-KS group) and 5 hyperglycemic KS patients with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results (HG-KS group). An additional 5 subjects with hyperglycemia and 5 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects matched based on body mass index were included as the HG group and NGT group, respectively. Data from clinical and laboratory examinations were collected. We further performed a literature review of KS and hyperglycemia. Results We found that KS patients developed abnormal glucose metabolism earlier in life than those without KS, and the median age was 17 years, ranging from 10 years to 19 years. Six of 17 (35.3%) patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 3 of 17 (17.6%) patients were diagnosed with prediabetes. Among 10 patients with both fasting blood glucose and insulin results recorded, there were 8 out of 17 (47.1%) KS patients had insulin resistance. The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia was higher in patients with hyperglycemia and KS than in patients with NGT KS. Compared with the HG group, insulin sensitivity levels were lower in HG-KS group, whereas homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function levels (p = 0.047) were significantly, indicating higher insulin secretion levels in the HG-KS group. Conclusions KS patients develop hyperglycemia earlier in life than those without KS and show lower insulin sensitivity and higher insulin secretion. These patients also have a higher prevalence of other metabolic diseases and may have different frequencies of developing KS-related symptoms.

β-Cell “rest” accompanies reduced first-pass hepatic insulin extraction in the insulin-resistant, fat-fed canine model

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (6) ◽  
pp. E1581-E1589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella P. Kim ◽  
Martin Ellmerer ◽  
Erlinda L. Kirkman ◽  
Richard N. Bergman
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Physiological Mechanism ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp ◽  
First Pass ◽  
Hepatic Insulin Extraction

During insulin resistance, glucose homeostasis is maintained by an increase in plasma insulin via increased secretion and/or decreased first-pass hepatic insulin extraction. However, the relative importance of insulin secretion vs. clearance to compensate for insulin resistance in obesity has yet to be determined. This study utilizes the fat-fed dog model to examine longitudinal changes in insulin secretion and first-pass hepatic insulin extraction during development of obesity and insulin resistance. Six dogs were fed an isocaloric diet with an ∼8% increase in fat calories for 12 wk and evaluated at weeks 0, 6, and 12 for changes in 1) insulin sensitivity by euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, 2) first-pass hepatic insulin extraction by direct assessment, and 3) glucose-stimulated insulin secretory response by hyperglycemic clamp. We found that 12 wk of a fat diet increased subcutaneous and visceral fat as assessed by MR imaging. Consistent with increased body fat, the dogs exhibited a ∼30% decrease in insulin sensitivity and fasting hyperinsulinemia. Although insulin secretion was substantially increased at week 6, β-cell sensitivity returned to prediet levels by week 12. However, peripheral hyperinsulinemia was maintained because of a significant decrease in first-pass hepatic insulin extraction, thus maintaining hyperinsulinemia, despite changes in insulin release. Our results indicate that when obesity and insulin resistance are induced by an isocaloric, increased-fat diet, an initial increase in insulin secretion by the β-cells is followed by a decrease in first-pass hepatic insulin extraction. This may provide a secondary physiological mechanism to preserve pancreatic β-cell function during insulin resistance.

scholarly journals Association of Baseline Characteristics With Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function in the Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness (GRADE) Study Cohort

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neda Rasouli ◽  
Naji Younes ◽  
Kristina M. Utzschneider ◽  
Silvio E. Inzucchi ◽  
Ashok Balasubramanyam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Insulinogenic Index ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Black African ◽  
Β Cell Function

<b>Objective:</b> We investigated sex and racial differences in insulin sensitivity, β-cell function and HbA1c, and the associations with selected phenotypic characteristics. <p><b>Research Design and Methods:</b> This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 3,108 GRADE participants. All had type 2 diabetes diagnosed <10 years and were on metformin monotherapy. Insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-S) and estimates from oral glucose tolerance tests including the Matsuda index, insulinogenic index (IGI), C-peptide index (CPI) and oral disposition index (DI).</p> <p><b>Results:</b> The cohort was 56.6±10 years of age (mean±SD), 63.8% male, with BMI 34.2±6.7 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, HbA1c 7.5±0.5% and type 2 diabetes duration 4.0±2.8 years. Women had higher DI than men but similar insulin sensitivity. DI was the highest in Black/African Americans, followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians and Whites in descending order. Compared to white, American Indian/Alaska Native had significantly higher HbA1c but Black/African Americans and Asians had lower HbA1c. However, when adjusted for glucose levels, Black/African Americans had higher HbA1c than whites. Insulin sensitivity correlated inversely with BMI, waist to hip ratio, triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL- C) and the presence of metabolic syndrome; whereas DI was associated directly with age and inversely with BMI, HbA1c and TG/HDL-C. </p> <p><b>Conclusion</b>: In the GRADE cohort, β-cell function differed by sex and race and was associated with the concurrent level of HbA1c. HbA1c also differed among the races, but not sex. Age, BMI and TG/HDL-C were associated with multiple measures of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.<br> </p>

scholarly journals The increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D following weight loss does not contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and β-cell function

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Thibault ◽  
Anne-Sophie Morisset ◽  
Christine Brown ◽  
André C. Carpentier ◽  
Jean-Patrice Baillargeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Disposition Index ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Β Cell Function ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been reported to increase following weight loss. Moreover, both weight loss and higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations have been associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss is associated with improved insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and disposition index (β-cell function). Data from two prospective lifestyle modification studies had been combined. Following a lifestyle-modifying weight loss intervention for 1 year, eighty-four men and women with prediabetes and a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 were divided based on weight loss at 1 year: < 5 % (non-responders, n 56) and ≥ 5 % (responders, n 28). The association between the change in serum 25(OH)D concentration and changes in insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) and Matsuda), insulin secretion (AUC of C-peptide) and disposition index after adjustment for weight loss was examined. Participants in the responders' group lost on average 9·5 % of their weight when compared with non-responders who lost only 0·8 % of weight. Weight loss in responders resulted in improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S, P= 0·0003) and disposition index (P= 0·02); however, insulin secretion remained unchanged. The rise in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss in responders was significantly higher than that in non-responders (8·9 (sd 12·5) v. 3·6 (sd 10·7) nmol/l, P= 0·05). However, it had not been associated with amelioration of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function, even after adjustment for weight loss and several confounders. In conclusion, the increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration following weight loss does not contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity or β-cell function.

scholarly journals Measurement of bioactive osteocalcin in humans using a novel immunoassay reveals association with glucose metabolism and β-cell function

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (3) ◽  
pp. E381-E391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lacombe ◽  
Omar Al Rifai ◽  
Lorraine Loter ◽  
Thomas Moran ◽  
Anne-Frédérique Turcotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell

Osteocalcin (OCN) is a bone-derived hormone involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism. In serum, OCN exists in carboxylated and uncarboxylated forms (ucOCN), and studies in rodents suggest that ucOCN is the bioactive form of this hormone. Whether this is also the case in humans is unclear, because a reliable assay to measure ucOCN is not available. Here, we established and validated a new immunoassay (ELISA) measuring human ucOCN and used it to determine the level of bioactive OCN in two cohorts of overweight or obese subjects, with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D). The ELISA could specifically detect ucOCN concentrations ranging from 0.037 to 1.8 ng/mL. In a first cohort of overweight or obese postmenopausal women without diabetes ( n = 132), ucOCN correlated negatively with fasting glucose (r = −0.18, P = 0.042) and insulin resistance assessed by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (r = −0.18, P = 0.038) and positively with insulin sensitivity assessed by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (r = 0.18, P = 0.043) or insulin sensitivity index derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (r = 0.26, P = 0.003). In a second cohort of subjects with severe obesity ( n = 16), ucOCN was found to be lower in subjects with T2D compared with those without T2D (2.76 ± 0.38 versus 4.52 ± 0.06 ng/mL, P = 0.009) and to negatively correlate with fasting glucose (r = −0.50, P = 0.046) and glycated hemoglobin (r = −0.57, P = 0.021). Moreover, the subjects with ucOCN levels below 3 ng/mL had a reduced insulin secretion rate during a hyperglycemic clamp ( P = 0.03). In conclusion, ucOCN measured with this novel and specific assay is inversely associated with insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction in humans.

scholarly journals Selenium supplementation and insulin resistance in a randomized, clinical trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Theresa Jacobs ◽  
Peter Lance ◽  
Lawrence J Mandarino ◽  
Nathan A Ellis ◽  
H-H Sherry Chow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Β Cell Function

ObjectiveWhile controversial, observational and randomized clinical trial data implicate the micronutrient selenium (Se) in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Se supplementation adversely affects pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.Research design and methodsIn a subset of 400 individuals participating in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Se at 200 µg/day for colorectal adenomatous polyps, fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured before randomization and within 6 months of completing intervention. Change in the homeostasis model assessment-β cell function (HOMA2-%β) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) were compared between arms. A subgroup of 175 (79 Se and 96 placebo) participants underwent a modified oral glucose tolerance test (mOGTT) at the end of intervention and change in glucose values was assessed.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were observed for changes in HOMA2-%β or HOMA2-%S between those who received Se compared with placebo. After a mean of 2.9 years on study, mean HOMA2-%β values were 3.1±24.0 and 3.1±29.8 for the Se and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.99). For HOMA2-%S, the values were −0.5±223.2 and 80.9±1530.9 for the Se and placebo groups, respectively (p=1.00). Stratification by sex or age did not reveal any statistically significant effects on insulin sensitivity by treatment group. For mOGTT, mean baseline fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher among participants in the placebo group compared with the Se group (96.6±14.6 and 92.3±12.0, respectively; p=0.04), a trend which remained through the 20 min assessment.ConclusionsThese findings do not support a significant adverse effect of daily Se supplementation with 200 µg/day of selenized yeast on β-cell function or insulin sensitivity as an explanation for previously reported associations between Se and T2D. Further clarification of longer term effects of Se is needed.Clinical trial registryNIH Clinical Trials.gov numberNCT00078897.

scholarly journals Comparison of insulin sensitivity between healthy neonatal foals and horses using minimal model analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262584
Author(s):  
Hannah M. Kinsella ◽  
Laura D. Hostnik ◽  
Hailey A. Snyder ◽  
Sarah E. Mazur ◽  
Ahmed M. Kamr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Minimal Model ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Insulin Response ◽  
Model Analysis ◽  
Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Intravenous Glucose ◽  
Glucose Ratio

The equine neonate is considered to have impaired glucose tolerance due to delayed maturation of the pancreatic endocrine system. Few studies have investigated insulin sensitivity in newborn foals using dynamic testing methods. The objective of this study was to assess insulin sensitivity by comparing the insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (I-FSIGTT) between neonatal foals and adult horses. This study was performed on healthy neonatal foals (n = 12), 24 to 60 hours of age, and horses (n = 8), 3 to 14 years of age using dextrose (300 mg/kg IV) and insulin (0.02 IU/kg IV). Insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), glucose effectiveness (Sg), and disposition index (DI) were calculated using minimal model analysis. Proxy measurements were calculated using fasting insulin and glucose concentrations. Nonparametric statistical methods were used for analysis and reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). SI was significantly higher in foals (18.3 L·min-1· μIU-1 [13.4–28.4]) compared to horses (0.9 L·min-1· μIU-1 [0.5–1.1]); (p < 0.0001). DI was higher in foals (12 × 103 [8 × 103−14 × 103]) compared to horses (4 × 102 [2 × 102−7 × 102]); (p < 0.0001). AIRg and Sg were not different between foals and horses. The modified insulin to glucose ratio (MIRG) was lower in foals (1.72 μIUinsulin2/10·L·mgglucose [1.43–2.68]) compared to horses (3.91 μIU insulin2/10·L·mgglucose [2.57–7.89]); (p = 0.009). The homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function (HOMA-BC%) was higher in horses (78.4% [43–116]) compared to foals (23.2% [17.8–42.2]); (p = 0.0096). Our results suggest that healthy neonatal foals are insulin sensitive in the first days of life, which contradicts current literature regarding the equine neonate. Newborn foals may be more insulin sensitive immediately after birth as an evolutionary adaptation to conserve energy during the transition to extrauterine life.

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