Enhancement of serum lipoprotein lipase mass levels by intensive insulin therapy

Abstract

We previously reported that lipoprotein lipase mass level in preheparin serum (preheparin LPL mass) was significantly lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy subjects and increased by conventional insulin therapy using NPH (intermediate-acting) insulin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intensive insulin therapy on preheparin LPL mass. Thirty-two subjects (total group) with type 2 diabetes receiving treatment by NPH insulin injection twice a day in the morning and evening were switched to basal bolus insulin (BBI) therapy (fast-acting insulin after each meal and NPH insulin before bedtime). In 14 subjects, the total daily insulin dose was not change after switching to BBI therapy (iso-dose group). After 3 months of BBI therapy, preheparin LPL mass increased significantly from 47 to 56 ng/ml in total group. Glycosylated hemoglobin and serum triglyceride levels decreased significantly, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly. Low-density lipoprotein levels did not changed but increase in size was suggested by PAG disc electrophoresis. Similar changes were observed in the iso-dose group. These results suggest that BBI therapy enhances preheparin LPL mass, accompanied by antiatherogenic changes in glucose and lipid metabolism.