Post-OGTT hypoglycaemia in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: frequency, characteristics and cluster assignment.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and metabolic characteristics of post-OGTT hypoglycaemia during an OGTT in individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We analysed 97 extended (180 min) 75 g OGTTs from individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Glucose, insulin and C-peptide were measured at fasting and post-challenge time points. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) index and beta cell function was measured using the insulinogenic index (IGI) and Stumvoll's second-phase index. All participants were assigned to the Ahlqvist diabetes clusters.

RESULTS

Post-OGTT hypoglycaemia (glucose ≤3.9 mmol/l at 180 min) occurred in 8.2% of the OGTTs analysed. Compared with individuals without hypoglycaemia, individuals with post-OGTT hypoglycaemia had a significantly lower BMI and higher insulin sensitivity, without differences in beta cell function. All individuals with hypoglycaemia were assigned to the mild obesity- or age-related diabetes Ahlqvist clusters.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Post-OGTT hypoglycaemia is present in a subset of individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is associated with higher insulin sensitivity.