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Horm Metab Res 2002; 34(9): 504-508
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-34790
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Human Amylin Analog, Pramlintide, Reduces Postprandial Hyperglucagonemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

M.  Fineman1 , C.  Weyer1 , D.  G.  Maggs1 , S.  Strobel1 , O.  G.  Kolterman1
  • 1Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 31 January 2002

Accepted after revision: 18 April 2002

Publication Date:
17 October 2002 (online)

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Abstract

Aims: Amylin is a second beta-cell hormone that is normally co-secreted with insulin in response to meals; it complements the effects of insulin in postprandial glucose control, in part by suppressing glucagon secretion. In patients with type 2 diabetes, mealtime administration of the human amylin analog pramlintide markedly improves postprandial glucose excursions. The aim of this study was to examine whether pramlintide reduces the postprandial hyperglucagonemia that is often seen in this patient population. Methods: Utilizing a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 24 patients with type 2 diabetes, 12 insulin-treated and 12 non-insulin-treated, underwent a standardized mixed meal test on 2 occasions during which they received, in randomized order, a five-hour intravenous infusion of placebo or pramlintide (100 µg/h). Results: During the placebo infusion, plasma glucose and plasma glucagon concentrations increased substantially after the meal. During the pramlintide infusion, postprandial plasma glucose and plasma glucagon responses were significantly (p < 0.05, all) reduced following ingestion of the same meal, both in the insulin-treated and non-insulin-treated subgroups. Conclusion: Supplementation of mealtime amylin with pramlintide reduces postprandial hyperglucagonemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, a mechanism that likely contributes to pramlintide’s postprandial glucose-lowering effect.

Key words

Glucagon - Islet Hormones - Hyperglycemia - Insulin - Beta-Cell Hormones

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M. Fineman, B.S.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

9373 Towne Centre Drive · San Diego · California 92121 · USA

Phone: + 1 (858) 642-7212

Fax: + 1 (858) 622-2212

Email: mfineman@amylin.com