Review of methods for measuring β-cell function: Design considerations from the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2018 Jan;20(1):14-24. doi: 10.1111/dom.13005. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

Abstract

The Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) study was initiated to evaluate interventions to slow or reverse the progression of β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes (T2D). To design the RISE study, we undertook an evaluation of methods for measurement of β-cell function and changes in β-cell function in response to interventions. In the present paper, we review approaches for measurement of β-cell function, focusing on methodologic and feasibility considerations. Methodologic considerations included: (1) the utility of each technique for evaluating key aspects of β-cell function (first- and second-phase insulin secretion, maximum insulin secretion, glucose sensitivity, incretin effects) and (2) tactics for incorporating a measurement of insulin sensitivity in order to adjust insulin secretion measures for insulin sensitivity appropriately. Of particular concern were the capacity to measure β-cell function accurately in those with poor function, as is seen in established T2D, and the capacity of each method for demonstrating treatment-induced changes in β-cell function. Feasibility considerations included: staff burden, including time and required methodological expertise; participant burden, including time and number of study visits; and ease of standardizing methods across a multicentre consortium. After this evaluation, we selected a 2-day measurement procedure, combining a 3-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and a 2-stage hyperglycaemic clamp procedure, augmented with arginine.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01779362 NCT01779375 NCT01763346.

Keywords: glucose metabolism; insulin resistance; insulin secretion; type 2 diabetes; β cell.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arginine / administration & dosage
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / pathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy
  • Glucose Clamp Technique
  • Glucose Tolerance Test / trends
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / pathology
  • Models, Biological*
  • Postprandial Period
  • Research Design* / trends

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Insulin
  • Arginine

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01779362
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01779375
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01763346