Evaluation of diabetes determinants in woolly monkeys

18december2007
Source: Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2007
Woolly monkeys are a threatened specie in the wild with limited successful management in captivity due to diagnosed hypertension and suspected diabetic conditions.
Six woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha) with known hypertension problems were tested to determine if diabetes mellitus and current daily diet are underlying links to health problems for the captive population of this species. Blood and urine were collected and serum was analysed for fructosamine, glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, triacylglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLChol) while urine was tested for glucose concentrations. Diet disappearance was determined for 3 days prior to blood collection and nutrient content was calculated using Zoo Diet Analysis computer program. Serum analyses were within normal ranges (fructosamine (139– 242 lmol/l), glucose (2.22–4.78 mmol/l), glycated haemoglobin (3.52– 4.73%), insulin (6.2–13.0 lU/ml), triacylglycerides (0.38–3.4 mmol/l), total cholesterol (2.5–5.1 mmol/l), HDL-Chol (0.4–1.6 mmol/l) and LDLChol (1.8–3.4 mmol/l)). Urine glucose concentrations were below the detection limit. Diets were not limiting in starch and total sugars and were similar in non-starch polysaccharides. Potential dietary deficiencies were noted for vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and selenium.
When compared with the available primate reference ranges, the results do not indicate problems with diabetes mellitus or with glucose metabolism and therefore they are not causes of the diagnosed hypertension. Further research to ascertain the true cause of health related
problems and the role of dietary factors is needed.

Title: Evaluation of diabetes determinants in woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha)
Authors: K. D. Ange-van Heugten, R. Burns, M. W. A. Verstegen, W. L. Jansen, P. R. Ferket and E. van Heugten