Objective: To clarify the involvement of IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 in the dawn rise in plasma glucose and in the overall glycemic control in patients with IDDM.
Research design and methods: Seventy patients with IDDM were divided into three groups according to pubertal development. Blood samples were obtained for measuring plasma glucose, IGFBP-1, and free insulin at 2200, 0500, and 0700 over a 2-day period. Levels of HbA1c, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 were determined at 0700. Urinary growth hormone (GH) was collected overnight. To examine its frequency, the dawn phenomenon was defined on the basis of the following: 1) change in plasma glucose from 0500 to 0700, 2) plasma glucose level at 0700, and 3) no antecedent hypoglycemia.
Results: There was a statistically significant link between the dawn changes in plasma glucose and IGFBP-1 (r = 0.37, P < 0.01). The former was not related to the change in free insulin or to the overnight urinary GH level. In stepwise regression analyses, plasma glucose at 0700 = 0.03 IGFBP-1 (P < 0.01) + 0.525 HbA1c (P < 0.01) + 3.696 (R2 = 51%). Approximately half of the patients in each group exhibited the dawn phenomenon; 38% of patients with HbA1c < 8% also showed the dawn phenomenon.
Conclusions: We have demonstrated a statistically significant link between the morning risk in IGFBP-1 and plasma glucose. The free fraction of IGF-1 modulated by acute changes in IGFBP-1 may play a direct role. The dawn phenomenon may occur regardless of pubertal stage or glycemic control in children and adolescents with IDDM.