Abstract

Background. Genetics and environmental factors play vital roles in type 2 diabetes. To gain insight into its pathogenesis, early study of offspring of affected patients is needed.

Methods. Thirty-four offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes and 27 nondiabetic control subjects matched for sex, height, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio had standard oral glucose tolerance tests (75 g glucose in 300 mL water). Homeostasis model assessment was used in measuring insulin resistance and sensitivity.

Results. Offspring had significantly higher mean fasting serum insulin (126.6 ± 10.3 vs 87.5 ± 6.9 pmol/L), incremental insulin at 30 to 150 minutes, and body mass index and lower insulin sensitivity than control subjects (49.9% ± 3.1% vs. 71.9% ± 5.6%), despite similar fasting plasma glucose concentrations.

Conclusions. As in other populations, the offspring of Caribbean patients with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk for development of diabetes independent of obesity.