INFLUENCE OF FOOD ON GLYCEMIA, INSULIN, C-PEPTIDE AND GLUCAGON-LEVELSIN DIABETIC-PATIENTS TREATED WITH ANTIDIABETIC METFORMIN AT STEADY-STATE

Seventeen diabetic patients (5 males and 12 females) treated with long -term metformin therapy received their morning dose after an overnight fast or after one of four types of breakfast: low protein, low fat, l ow carbohydrate or standard. Mean (+/-SD) and median areas under the s erum concentration curves (AUG), maximum concentrations (C-max) and ti me to reach the maximum concentrations (t(max)) were calculated for th e major biological parameters (glycemia, Cineptide, insulin and glucag on levels). None of the diets were bioequivalent to the fasting condit ion and only the low carbohydrate diet gave comparable results. A stro ng relationship was found between the carbohydrate intake (in g) and t he AUC of the various markers except glucagon.