Habitual dietary intake versus glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in postmenopausal women

Abstract. Larsson H, Elmståhl S, Berglund G, Ahrén B (Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden). Habitual dietary intake versus glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in postmenopausal women. J Intern Med;245: 581–591.Objective.  The major aim was to study the relation between habitual dietary intake and glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in postmenopausal women. Dietary intake was also compared between women with normal (NGT) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).Design.  Habitual dietary intake was studied using a modified diet history method, from which the energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein intake was calculated. Glucose tolerance was determined as the 2 h glucose value after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity was studied with a euglycemic, hyperinsulinaemic clamp, whilst insulin secretion was measured as the acute (2–5 min) response to iv arginine (5 g) at fasting, 14 and >25 mmol L–1 glucose.Setting.  Clinical research unit at the University Hospital in Malmö, Sweden.Subjects.  A total of 74 women (mean ± SD age 58.7 ± 0.4 years).Results.  In the entire group, the 2 h glucose level corre