Effect of differences in source of dietary carbohydrate on plasma glucose and insulin responses to meals in patients with impaired carbohydrate tolerance.

Two test meals, varying only in type of carbohydrate foods, were given to 12 volunteers with impaired glucose tolerance. The carbohydrate content of one meal was composed of potato and gelatin, while the other meals contained an equivalent amount of carbohydrate as rice and corn. The two meals were otherwise identical, and the additional constituents were turkey, green salad, and salad dressing. Plasma glucose and insulin responses were significantly lower after the meal containing rice and corn, with the change in the insulin response being the most dramatic. These results raise the possibility that variations in source of dietary carbohydrate may have therapeutic utility in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.