Insulin response to oral glucose in young African and Indian noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients in Natal.

The insulin response to an oral glucose load was studied in 24 Indian and 14 African patients with NIDDM and 20 controls. The maximal insulin levels attained during the glucose tolerance test were significantly lower, and the peak insulin response occurred later in the diabetic patients compared to controls. The insulinogenic indices were also much lower in the patients. African patients showed lower basal and maximal insulin levels and lower insulinogenic indices than Indian patients, despite similar plasma glucose values. No correlation was seen between the fasting or maximal insulin levels and duration of NIDDM.