Changes in Isoleucine, Sarcosine, and Dimethylglycine During OGTT as Risk Factors for Diabetes

Abstract

Abstract Context Current metabolomics studies in diabetes have focused on the fasting state, while only a few have addressed the satiated state. Objective We combined the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and metabolomics to examine metabolite-level changes in populations with different glucose tolerance statuses and to evaluate the potential risk of these changes for diabetes. Methods We grouped participants into those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NDM). During the OGTT, serum was collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. We evaluated the changes in metabolite levels during the OGTT and compared metabolic profiles among the 3 groups. The relationship between metabolite levels during the OGTT and risk of diabetes and prediabetes was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE). The regression results were adjusted for sex, body mass index, fasting insulin levels, heart rate, smoking status, and blood pressure. Results Glucose intake altered metabolic profile and induced an increase in glycolytic intermediates and a decrease in amino acids, glycerol, ketone bodies, and triglycerides. Isoleucine levels differed between the NGT and NDM groups and between the NGT and IGR groups. Changes in sarcosine levels during the OGTT in the diabetes groups were opposite to those in glycine levels. GEE analysis revealed that during OGTT, isoleucine, sarcosine, and acetic acid levels were associated with NDM risks, and isoleucine and acetate levels with IGR risks. Conclusion Metabolic profiles differ after glucose induction in individuals with different glucose tolerance statuses. Changes in metabolite levels during OGTT are potential risk factors for diabetes development.