HYPOGLYCEMIA INCREASES THE GASTRIC-EMPTYING RATE IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

OBJECTIVES- To compare the gastric emptying rate during normoglycemia with that during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in healthy subjects. RES EARCH DESIGN AND METHODS- In eight healthy subjects, the rate of gastr ic emptying of an isotope-labeled meal was assessed by a scintigraphic technique during normoglycemia and hypoglycemia, both controlled by a n insulin-glucose clamp. RESULTS- The mean time taken to empty 50% of the lest meal from the stomach (T-50) for the solid phase was 43.0 +/- 20.0 min during normoglycemia, compared with 16.3 +/- 6.6 min during hypoglycemia, P < 0.001. The mean T-50 for the liquid phase was 38.0 /- 21.2 and 15.4 +/- 10.6 min, respectively, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS- I nsulin-induced hypoglycemia increases the gastric emptying rate in hea lthy subjects.