The Role of Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide in the Augmented Insulin Response to Sucrose

To evaluate the role of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) in the augmented insulin response to sucrose, seven normal volunteers ingested four separate meals of 100 g sucrose (S), 50 g glucose (G), 50 g fructose (F), and 50 g glucose + 50 g fructose (G + F). Serum insulin, glucose, and GIP were measured. In each of the 3 h after sugar ingestion the integrated insulin response to (S) was greater than to (G) with the 3-h total being 104% greater. The integrated glucose response to (S) was slightly greater than to (G) in the first and second hours but the differences were not significant. Integrated GIP response to (S) was greater than to (G) in hours 2 and 3. Although significant insulin and glucose responses to (F) occurred in hour 1, G + F led to insulin and glucose responses similar to G. G + F led to greater GIP levels than G in hour 3. These studies show that GIP may play a role in the augmented insulin response to S in hours 2 and 3. This may result from delayed gastric emptying and glucose absorption. The augmentation of insulin to S in the first hour may result from fructose, extra glucose equivalent of the sucrose test solution, or from endocrine mechanisms other than those subserved by GIP.