Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in intensively milk-fed calves

Abstract

In intensively milk-fed calves post-prandial glucose (G) and insulin (I) concentrations, but not preprandial G concentrations, increased or failed to decrease during the growth period, compared with data from calves that were progressively weaned. This study was, therefore, designed to investigate G and I metabolism in veal calves. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic clamps in the unfed state demonstrated mutual responsiveness of I and G, but revealed a relative I resistance. After feed consumption, I resistance was exaggerated, as seen by decreased G clearance rates after i.v. G and I administration in fed compared with unfed calves. Milk replacer is a source of readily available lactose, fat, and protein, the intake of which, on a kilogram.75 basis, gradually increased with age. Increased substrate availability and effects of nutrients themselves were probably responsible for elevated plasma concentrations of G and I and led to I resistance. Additionally, hyperglycemia > 1.5 g/L was followed by urinary excretion of G.