The GLP-1 analogue exenatide improves hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats: tracer studies in the basal state and during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

OBJECTIVE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues (e.g., exenatide) increase insulin secretion in diabetes but less is known about their effects on glucose production or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. METHODS: Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: nondiabetic (control, C); nondiabetic + exenatide (C + E); diabetic (D); diabetic + exenatide (D + E) with diabetes induced by streptozotocin and high fat diet. Infusion of 3-(3)H-glucose and U-(13)C-glycerol was used to measure basal rates of appearance (Ra) of glucose and glycerol and gluconeogenesis from glycerol (GNG). During hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, glucose uptake into gastrocnemius muscles was measured with 2-deoxy-D-(14)C-glucose. RESULTS: In the diabetic rats, exenatide reduced the basal Ra of glucose (P < 0.01) and glycerol (P < 0.01) and GNG (P < 0.001). During the clamp, Ra of glucose was also reduced, whereas the rate of disappearance of glucose increased and there was increased glucose uptake into muscle (P < 0.01) during the clamp. In the nondiabetic rats, exenatide had no effect. CONCLUSION: In addition to its known effects on insulin secretion, administration of the GLP-1 analogue, exenatide, is associated with increased inhibition of gluconeogenesis and improved glucose uptake into muscle in diabetic rats, implying improved hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity.