MATHEMATICAL-MODELING OF INSULIN KINETICS

We review a general mathematical model which incorporates beta-cell ki netics and a gastrointestinal absorption term for glucose into a gluco se-insulin feedback system. The model comprises of a set of four nonli near, coupled ordinary differential equations, Numerical simulations l ead to time variations of plasma glucose and insulin levels that are c onsistent with clinical observations in normal groups, The results obt ained after suitable changes in some of the parameters are in agreemen t with the clinical profiles and laboratory data in all the clinical c ategories of diabetes mellitus, viz. insulin-dependent diabetes mellit us, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition related diabetes mellitus, in response to a glucose challenge. Linear stabilit y analysis in each case gives an indication of the metabolic factor(s) responsible for the particular disorder, Finally, the possible use of sensitivity analysis in the therapy of diabetes mellitus is discussed .