The incretin effect in type 2 diabetes in a Sub-Saharan African population

Abstract

Abstract Aim The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly investigated. In this study we explored the incretin effect. Methods In a cross-sectional study in Tanzania including 20 adults with type 2 diabetes based on oral glucose tolerance test (n = 10) or on glycated hemoglobin A1c (n = 10), and 10 non-diabetes controls we investigated the difference between the insulin response during an oral glucose tolerance test and that of the corresponding intravenous glucose infusion. Results The incretin effect did not differ between groups, suggesting that the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa differs from what we see in Western populations. We found no difference in insulin resistance between groups, but the beta-cell function was reduced in participants with type 2 diabetes based on oral glucose tolerance test. Conclusion The results indicates that type 2 diabetes in this sub-Saharan African population comprise at least two entities, where those diagnosed using HbA1c have intact beta-cell function, and those with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed using oral glucose tolerance test resemble type 2 diabetes in Western populations. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03106480, date of registration: 04/10/2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03106480?term=NCT03106480&draw=2&rank=1