The mathematical analysis of glucose tolerance curves obtained by in vivo autoanalysis

Intravenous glucose tolerance curves were obtained by in vivo autoanalysis in six healthy subjects on low- and high-carbohydrate diets. The resultant curves were analyzed with methods of increasing mathematical complexity including fitting to the model Gt = G0 + Ae−αtcos(ωt). The low carbohydrate intake resulted in significant lowering of the fasting glucose level, prolongation of time of initial return to fasting level (TR) and decrease in ω. It was found that the peak blood glucose value is not significantly different for the ditferent diets. Although diminution rate did not differ with diet, TR and the ω component of the model did differ. It is suggested that these factors may be of some importance for experimental use.