INSULIN-RESISTANCE, HYPERGLYCEMIA, AND GLUCOSURIA IN INTENSIVELY MILK-FED CALVES

In intensively milk-fed calves postprandial glucose (G) and insulin (I ) concentrations, but not preprandial G concentrations, increased or f ailed to decrease during the growth period, compared with data from ca rves that were progressively weaned. This study was, therefore, design ed to investigate G and I metabolism in veal calves. Euglycemic-hyperi nsulinemic and hyperglycemic clamps in the unfed state demonstrated mu tual responsiveness of I and G, but revealed a relative I resistance. After feed consumption, I resistance was exaggerated, as seen by decre ased G clearance rates after i.v. G and I administration in fed compar ed with unfed calves. Milk replacer is a source of readily available l actose, fat, and protein, the intake of which, on a kilogram(.75) basi s, gradually increased with age. Increased substrate availability and effects of nutrients themselves were probably responsible for elevated plasma concentrations of G and I and led to I resistance. Additionall y, hyperglycemia > 1.5 g/L was followed by urinary excretion of G.