Indexes of β-cell function from the oral glucose tolerance test can modestly predict pancreatic β-cell area in Korean

Aims: Pancreatic beta-cell function indexes have been suggested using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Here, we investigated whether beta-cell function index from the OGTT reflects pancreatic beta-cell area in Korean patients. Methods: The study consisted of 45 patients who underwent pancreatectomies. Before operation, a 75-g OGTT was performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed, and indexes of beta-cell function from the OGTT data were compared with the pancreatic beta-cell area. Results: The beta-cell area of the pancreas was 1.07 +/- 0.33% in the normal glucose tolerance group, 1.71 +/- 0.85% in the pre-diabetes group (impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose), and 1.08 +/- 0.57% in the diabetes group. The beta-cell area of the pre-diabetes group was significantly higher than that of the diabetes group. Pancreatic beta-cell area showed a significant correlation with a homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function (r = 0.358, P = 0.016), disposition index (r = 0.336, P = 0.024), fasting glucose (r = 0.359, P = 0.015), and the C-peptide/glucose 30 min ratio (r = 0.319, P = 0.035). Conclusions: Some parameters of beta-cell function from the OGTT showed a significant relationship with the beta-cell area of pancreas. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.