GLP-1 as a diagnostic test to determine beta-cell function and the presence of the condition of IGT and type-II diabetes

Abstract

Since glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is the most potent insulinotropic hormone known and has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion strongly in patients with type II diabetes, this invention uses GLP-1 or its biologically active analogues in β-cell stimulatory tests in order to test β-cell function in a simple way. The test provides information about insulin secretory capacity, is easy and reproducible and has insignificant side effects.

1 - 14  (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . A method of detecting impaired glucose tolerence of individuals by elevation of β-cells secretory capacity, comprising: 
 infusing the individual with glucose and a compound which binds to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor; and thereafter    measuring the insulin and C-peptide responses against standard responses of healthy subjects to determine if the individual has impaired β-cell function.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is an exendin.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is exendin-3 or exendin-4.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is exendin-4.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising using an agent which enhances the half-life in vivo of the GLP-1 receptor binding compound.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the patient is simultaneously infused with a combined glucose/GLP-1 receptor binding compound composition.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the patient is first infused with glucose and then later with the GLP-1 receptor binding compound.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the dose of the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is a bolus dose intravanously administered at from 0.05 nmol to 100 nmol.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the dose of the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is a bolus dose subcutaneous administered at from 10 nmol to 1000 nmol.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the patient is first infused with a dose of the GLP-1 receptor binding compound continuously infused by I.V. at from 0.1 pmol/kg/min to 10 pm/kg/min.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein dosing of the GLP-1 receptor binding compound is continuous subcutaneous infusion at a dose of from 0.5 to 50 pm/kg/min.