Taurine improves glucose tolerance in STZ-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice.

Blood glucose levels fluctuate considerably in diabetic patients with reduced secretion of endogenous insulin. We previously reported that glucagon is secreted excessively in these patients and that taurine increases glucagon secretion in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that glucose tolerance would further deteriorate when taurine was administered to diabetic mice incapable of insulin secretion.

"Preserved" glucagon secretion in fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Mixed-meal tolerance tests were carried out after an overnight fast. Healthy control participants (■), type 1A diabetespatients (○) and fulminant type 1 diabetic patients (▲). Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean.