Insulin resistance in a young man with cystic fibrosis

Am J Dis Child. 1984 Jul;138(7):677-80. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1984.02140450059018.

Abstract

An 18-year-old man had cystic fibrosis (CF) and insulin-resistant carbohydrate intolerance characterized by (1) obesity, basal hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglucagonemia; (2) impaired oral glucose tolerance; (3) hyperinsulinemia in response to oral and intravenous (IV) administration of glucose and to IV administration of tolbutamide; (4) exaggerated gastric inhibitory polypeptide secretion following orally administered glucose; and (5) diminished sensitivity to insulin administered IV compared with other patients with CF. Both parents also demonstrate basal and stimulated hyperinsulinemia in response to orally administered glucose. The long-term outlook for patients with CF is improving, and more patients are surviving childhood. Thus, it should be recognized that an insulin-resistant form of carbohydrate intolerance may develop in patients with CF with obesity and/or genetic risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide / metabolism
  • Glucagon / blood
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Humans
  • Hyperinsulinism / complications*
  • Hyperinsulinism / genetics
  • Insulin
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Receptor, Insulin / metabolism

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide
  • Glucagon
  • Receptor, Insulin