An experimental rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To develop a rat model of type 2 diabetes that simulates the metabolic abnormalities of human disease.Methods Wistar rats were fed on a diet enriched in fat and glucose to induce insulin resistance,after 4 weeks,the rats were injected intrapertoneally with a low dose streptozocin (STZ) twice (30 mg/kg once a week) to induce hyperglycemia.Results After fed on a diet enriched in fat and glucose,insulin sensitivity index was decreased significantly,ie -5 72±0 43 vs -4 37±0 61 of control group ( P 0 01),and after the 2nd STZ injection,the rats demonstrated a blood glucose level significantly rising up after glucose loading ( P 0.01),so the successful model was made;the 18th week saw a noted blood glucose rise both on empty stomach and on glucose loading ( P 0 05; P 0 01),but the fasting insulin secretion of the model rats did not differ from that of the controls ( P 0 05).Conclusion This model closely simualtes the human type 2 diabetes mellitus,this study provides an ideal animal model for investigating human type 2 diabetes.