VARIATION IN THE GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE CURVE FOR A STANDARD MEAL IN NONDIABETIC SUBJECTS

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of variation of th e glucose response to a standard mixed meal in non-diabetic individual s and determine the factors which may account for variations. Mean bas al and peak values were not significantly different between subjects. Mean areas above basal and total areas under the glucose curves were b oth significantly different between subjects. Differences in age and B MI could affect variation between subjects for total and incremental a reas under the glucose curve. The composition of prior food intake spe cifically, % fat or carbohydrate, could account for variation in basal and peak values for individuals and suggest specific guidelines are n ecessary to avoid individual variation due to differences in prior foo d intake. Determination of parameter values for the glucose curve with an equation (y = (t)b3(e)b1+b2t) indicates that mean parameter values (b1, b2, b3) for each subject were not significantly different betwee n subjects. Although previously reported (Crapo, Reaven, Olefsky, Diab . 26, 1178) areas under the glucose curve for subjects ingesting diffe rent food items were not significantly different, parameter values b2 and b3 were significantly different. Determining parameter values may be a sensitive method of distinguishing differences in food intake res ponse and as a diagnostic tool to identify subjects with impaired tole rance.