The diabetic syndrome in the tuco-tuco (Ctenomys talarum)

Abstract

A syndrome of diabetes, which appears to be dependent upon diet, is described in an Argentine rodent, the tuco-tuco. Hyperglycaemia and cataract are shown to be inversely related to age and associated with excess mortality. Pancreatic islet, renal glomerular and lens changes are similar to those of human diabetics. It is suggested that this species forms a useful model of human maturity onset diabetes. © 1972 Springer-Verlag.