SERUM GLUCOSE, INSULIN AND C-PEPTIDE RESPONSE TO ORAL GLUCOSE IS NOT UNDER EVIDENT GENETIC-CONTROL IN TWINS WITH PARENTAL NIDDM

Background and Aim: To evaluate the inheritance of serum-glucose, insu lin and C-peptide response to oral glucose, we studied the heritabilit y estimates in 25 pairs of healthy twins (12 monozygotic and 13 dizygo tic) with parental non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Methods and Results : An oral-glucose tolerance test was performed: 18 per cent of the twi ns showed impaired glucose tolerance and 22 per cent were hyperinsulin aemic, one was diabetic. There was no significant difference in concor dance for environmental factors (physical activity, diet, smoking, alc ohol intake and living together or apart) between monozygotic twins. C onclusions: Genetic analysis did not reveal a substantial heritability for serum-glucose, insulin and C-peptide response to oral glucose, in dicating that these parameters are not under evident genetic control i n this subset of subjects with increased susceptibility for non-insuli n-dependent diabetes. (C) 1997, Medikal Press.