Cigma Assessment of Insulin Resistance and Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in the Elderly

Ten elderly subjects aged 71-85 years and with no indication of diabetes had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a one hour's continuous infusion of glucose with model assessment (CIGMA) to assess the pathophysiology of glucose intolerance. All had fasting plasma glucose less than 6 mmol/l and glycosylated haemoglobin levels less than 8.8%, but seven had impaired glucose tolerance during the OGTT. The CIGMA similarly assessed glucose tolerance (rs = 0.65, P less than 0.02), and in addition showed increased insulin resistance and low normal beta cell function.