Insulin Sensitivity, Glucose - and Fat Metabolism in Patients With Psoriasis

The pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the association between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes are largely unknown but it has been hypothesized that systemic inflammation found in both psoriasis and type 2 diabetes might play a role. In a recent study hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps were performed and it showed that normal glucose-tolerant patients with moderate to severe psoriasis had lower whole-body insulin sensitivity during insulin stimulation compared to healthy matched controls. Thus, the increased risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with psoriasis appears to include defects in the glucose metabolism linked to psoriasis itself. However, the methods applied did not allow a detailed characterization of the metabolism in patients with psoriasis. Tracer technique combined with indirect calorimetry has never been applied to study hepatic and whole body insulin sensitivity, and glucose and fat oxidation, during basal conditions or during insulin stimulation in patients with psoriasis. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to investigate hepatic and whole body insulin sensitivity and glucose and fat oxidation during both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions in patients with psoriasis.