Suitability of continuous glucose monitoring in healthy subjects to detect effects of meal sequences and nutritional content of meals on postprandial glycemic responses

Abstract

Background Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have initially been developed for diabetes patients but are also increasingly used by healthy people in order to monitor individual eating behaviors and the glucose responses to different foods, e.g. to support weight loss. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of this technology to detect effects of meal sequences and nutritional content of meals on postprandial glycemic responses. In addition, the effect of meal sequences on the subsequent eating behavior was evaluated. Subjects/Methods On two consecutive days, 36 participants without diabetes received standardized test meals (TM) for breakfast and lunch, as well as a free-choice dinner. Both TM contained equal amounts of carbohydrates with different absorption characteristics and differing fat and protein content. Participants consumed TM “fast” for breakfast and “slow” for lunch on one day, and in reverse order on the other day. Dinner was selected from a buffet; meal content and amount were free-choice. Participants rated their feeling of satiety directly before dinner intake. Glucose profiles were assessed with a CGM device. Results CGM was able to distinguish postprandial glucose responses according to the nutritional content of the TM. When TM were consumed for lunch, median glucose increase was higher than when consumed for breakfast (TM “fast”: 72.7 mg/dL vs. 56.5 mg/dL; TM “slow”: 38.3 mg/dL; vs. 22.1 mg/dL). Satiety before dinner was lower and energy intake for dinner was higher after TM “fast” for lunch than after TM “slow” for lunch (5 058.3 ± 1 787.8 kJ vs. 4 429.8 ± 1 205.4 kJ). Conclusions Data collected in this evaluation with the use of CGM firstly supports its use under everyday life conditions in people without diabetes and secondly could contribute to identify beneficial dietary patterns that may be considered in the management and prevention of metabolic disorders.