A New Carbohydrate Solution for Testing Glucose Tolerance

During the standard 100 gm. glucose tolerance test, nausea or vomiting is a frequent side effect. In preparation for a large-scale survey for detection of diabetes a more palatable solution that causes no side effects was developed. The solution was made of partially hydrolyzed cornstarch, flavored with cola extract, and carbonated, yielding a product that tastes like a popular cola beverage. Glucose tolerance curves in sixty-three subjects after either 75 or 100 gm. of the new carbohydrate solution were, for practical purposes, identical to those after 100 gm. of glucose. Administration of the new solution was exceptionally well tolerated in 85,000 persons thus far tested for diabetes.