Study Shows Quantose IR™ Measures Insulin Sensitivity Better
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Metabolon, Inc. has announced results from a study using samples from the long-term ACT NOW diabetes prevention study of prediabetic subjects. Analysis showed that its Quantose IR™ test tracked changes in insulin sensitivity better than the hemoglobin A1C test in patients treated with the insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone.
In the ACT NOW study, patients with impaired glucose tolerance were randomized to pioglitazone (45mg/day) or placebo and followed for an average of 2.4 years. Researchers conducted a retrospective study using samples from 210 subjects treated with pioglitazone to assess the clinical validity of Quantose IR for monitoring changes in insulin sensitivity. Quantose IR tracked insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, with a significant 29 percent improvement in Quantose IR scores in pioglitazone-treated patients. In contrast, A1C scores worsened slightly in the same subjects.
Insulin resistance is a root cause of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. “Identifying and managing insulin resistance play significant roles in guiding interventions to delay or prevent these conditions,” said study investigator Ralph A. DeFronzo, MD, Texas Diabetes Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center. “Until now, though, there were no simple tests to easily identify insulin resistance. Quantose IR appears to be a useful tool to identify and monitor therapy in insulin-resistant patients because of its strong correlation with improved insulin sensitivity and ease of use.”
“The Quantose IR test will help clinicians implement the recently issued American Diabetes Association intervention guidelines for prediabetes,” said Eric Button, senior vice president of diagnostics for Metabolon.
Button continued, “While A1C is an excellent test for measuring changes in glucose, insulin resistance may occur more than 10 years before changes in glucose levels can be seen in a patient. Earlier clinical intervention along the continuum may prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.”
