Effect of meal frequency on blood glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids in NIDDM subjects.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the effects of meal frequency on blood glucose, serum insulin, and FFAs in 12 NIDDM subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Subjects were assigned in random order to two 8-hr observation periods after an overnight fast. They received isocaloric diets with similar composition either as six small or as two large meals. At the end of each study period, an IVGTT was given. RESULTS: Two large meals induced an 84% greater maximum amplitude of glucose excursions than six small meals (6.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.5 mM, P < 0.005) and higher insulin responses (P < 0.03). The Kg response to an IVGTT did not differ in the two situations. The average FFA level was lowest in response to frequent meals (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A higher meal frequency acutely subdues glucose excursions and reduces insulin and FFA levels during the daytime in older NIDDM subjects.