Hepatic insulin clearance is the primary determinant of insulin sensitivity in the normal dog

Objective Insulin resistance is a powerful risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and a constellation of chronic diseases, and is most commonly associated with obesity. We examined if factors other than obesity are more substantial predictors of insulin sensitivity under baseline, nonstimulated conditions. Methods Metabolic assessment was performed in healthy dogs (n = 90). Whole‐body sensitivity from euglycemic clamps (SICLAMP) was the primary outcome variable, and was measured independently by IVGTT (n = 36). Adiposity was measured by MRI (n = 90), and glucose‐stimulated insulin response was measured from hyperglycemic clamp or IVGTT (n = 86 and 36, respectively). Results SICLAMP was highly variable (5.9‐75.9 dl/min per kg per μU/ml). Despite narrow range of body weight (mean, 28.7 ± 0.3 kg), adiposity varied approximately eight‐fold and was inversely correlated with SICLAMP (P