Influence of food on glycemia, insulin, C-peptide and glucagon levels in diabetic patients treated with antidiabetic metformin at steady-state

Seventeen diabetic patients (5 males and 12 females) treated with long-term metformin therapy received their morning dose after an overnight fast or after one of four types of breakfast: low protein, low fat, low carbohydrate or standard. Mean (+/-SD) and median areas under the serum concentration curves (AUG), maximum concentrations (C-max) and time to reach the maximum concentrations (t(max)) were calculated for the major biological parameters (glycemia, Cineptide, insulin and glucagon levels). None of the diets were bioequivalent to the fasting condition and only the low carbohydrate diet gave comparable results. A strong relationship was found between the carbohydrate intake (in g) and the AUC of the various markers except glucagon.