Abstract: Objective To observe the characteristics of glucolipid metabolism and insulin resistance in ZDF rats after feeding with high fat diet. Methods Six ZDF (fa/fa) rats in model group were fed with high fat diet, 6 ZDF (fa/+) rats in control group, fed with normal diet, lasted for 6 weeks. The body weight was measured every week. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein were measured every two weeks, TC/HDL-C and AI were calculated. In 6^th week, the fasting insulin, OGTT and ITT were measured. HOMA-IR, HOMA-β were calculated. Results After feeding with high fat diet, the blood glucose and lipid levels in ZDF model group were rapidly increased (P<0.01), TC/HDL-C and AI were significantly increased (P<0.01), after 4 weeks, they remained stable.In 6^th week, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly increased (P<0.01), but HOMA-β was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion ZDF rats induced by high fat diet, exhibits hyperglycemia with hyperlipidemia, abnormal glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia, and also exhibits increased insulin tolerance and decreased insulin sensitivity. ZDF rats are suitable to study tyjpe 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome which caused by insulin resistance.

Key words: ZDF rats, Glucolipid metabolism, Insulin resistance