Mathematical model for Glucose-Insulin interactions after administration of the Arctium lappa extract in diabetic rats

Diabetes is a widespread chronic disease which is increasing at an alarming rate in the

world. It can lead to a variety of vascular, neurological or metabolic complications. Maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range by exogenous insulin administration or oral administration of plant extracts which increase plasma insulin levels can decrease these effects. Mathematical models have provided one means of understanding diabetes dynamics. In this study we used one of these models „minimal model“ (1) based on our experimental data for estimation of plasma insulin from plasma glucose. We used a modified Michelis Menten equations (2) in our model. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of sterptozotocin (80mg/kg). After 24 hours of food deprivation, blood samples were collected from the orbital sinus before, and at 1, 2, 3 hours after oral administration of Arctium lappa L. extract. Blood glucose and insulin level were determined by glucose oxidase and standard radioimmunoassay methods, respectively. In diabetic rats, plant extract increased blood insulin levels (p<0.05) and decreased blood glucose levels (p<0.01). Results showed the above model can predict plasma insulin level from plasma glucose value.

Keywords: diabetes, Arctium lappa, insulin-glucose

References: (1) Bergman RN, Cobelli C (1980) Federation Proc 39: 110–115.

(2) Lin J (2007) Robust modeling of the glucose-insulin system for tight glycemic control of critical care patients, Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand,