Postprandial Hormonal Responses to Different Types of Complex Carbohydrate in Individuals with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

We have studied the effects of dextrose, rice, potato, corn, and bread on postprandial plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon responses in 11 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. All carbohydrate loads were calculated to contain 50 g of glucose. The data demonstrate that 1) dextrose and potato elicited similar plasma glucose responses whereas rice, and bread elicited lower responses with corn intermediate; 2) dextrose and potato elicited similar plasma insulin responses whereas rice gave lower responses, with bread and corn intermediate; 3) all of the carbohydrate loads suppressed plasma glucagon with dextrose causing the greatest suppression. In conclusion, there is a range of plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon responses to different complex carbohydrates in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and the differences in plasma glucose responses may be of therapeutic value in controlling hyperglycemia.