Differential Effects of Human and Pork Insulin–Induced Hypoglycemia on Neuronal Functions in Humans

Insulin has been found to cross the blood-brain barrier, and insulin receptors have been detected in different structures of the brain. However, the biological significance of insulin acting in the brain remains unclear. Reports of differential awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms during human insulin (Hl)- and pork insulin (Pl)-induced hypoglycemia hint at a modulatory influence of insulin on sensory processing. In a double-blind study, we recorded auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs), indexing neuronal transmission along sensory pathways, in 30 healthy male subjects during a baseline condition and HI- and PI-induced mild hypoglycemia of 2.65 mM. Fifteen subjects were tested after 20 min and another 15 after 50 min of constant hypoglycemia. During hypoglycemia, subjects had to indicate the severity of hypoglycemic symptoms and their current mood. Hypoglycemia increased latencies of the P3 component and reduced amplitudes of the N1, P2, and P3 components. Despite identical blood glucose and serum insulin levels in both sessions, effects of PI-induced hypoglycemia on AEP components were significantly stronger than those of HI-induced hypoglycemia (P < 0.05). Differences between the effects of the insulins were consistently apparent after 20 min of hypoglycemia, indicating a short-term action of these hormones on central nervous system functions. Also, after 20 min, but not after 50 min, of steady-state hypoglycemia, subjects felt more excited during PI than HI infusion (P < 0.05). The results indicate different influences of HI and PI on sensory function during hypoglycemia. These differences, occurring during early hypoglycemia, could contribute to the differential awareness of hypoglycemic warning symptoms during HI- and PI-induced hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.