Hypoglycemia increases the gastric emptying rate in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the gastric emptying rate during normoglycemia with that during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in healthy subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In eight healthy subjects, the rate of gastric emptying of an isotope-labeled meal was assessed by a scintigraphic technique during normoglycemia and hypoglycemia, both controlled by an insulin-glucose clamp.

RESULTS

The mean time taken to empty 50% of the test meal from the stomach (T50) for the solid phase was 43.0 +/- 20.0 min during normoglycemia, compared with 16.3 +/- 6.6 min during hypoglycemia, P < 0.001. The mean T50 for the liquid phase was 38.0 +/- 21.2 and 15.4 +/- 10.6 min, respectively, P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia increases the gastric emptying rate in healthy subjects.