ERYTHROCYTE INSULIN RECEPTORS IN NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

In 49 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients (33 males, 16 females) the concentration decreased of insulin receptor on erythrocytes and normal levels of fasting plasma insulin as compared with the control groups, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia may not be the sole cause for receptor defects in NIDDM. Comparison of insulin receptors between obese- and nonobese.NIDDM patients indicated that such defects were more severe in obese NIDDM patients than those in nonobese ones. A slight but signifciant increase of plasma hCH and cortisol was found in NIDDM, but it is unlikely that the decrease of insulin receptors in NIDDM is caused by the slightly increased antagonistic hormones. The factors leading to insulin receptor defects in NIDDM are discussed.