Comparison of insulin secretion and in vivo insulin action in nonobese and moderately obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Insulin secretion and in vivo insulin action were quantified in nonobese and moderately obese patients (approximately 30% overweight) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), matched for severity of diabetes. Insulin secretion was assessed by determining plasma insulin responses to a test meal given at noon, and in vivo insulin action by the insulin clamp technique. No significant differences were noted between the two groups for either variable. Thus, it cannot be assumed that the cause of hyperglycemia in patients with NIDDM differs between nonobese and moderately obese subjects.