Greater glycaemic response to an oral glucose load in healthy, lean, active and young Chinese adults compared to matched Europeans

There are ethnic differences recorded in glycaemic response and rates of type 2 DM between Chinese and European populations. Whether these differences are evident in matched lean, young, healthy, active adults is unclear. To compare the postprandial glycaemic response of a group of Chinese participants with a group of similar Europeans.49 Chinese and 48 European 23.8 (±4.35 years), healthy (free from non-communicable disease) and lean, body fat %: 23.28 (±5.04) adults undertook an oral glucose tolerance test to identify any significant differences in postprandial blood glucose response. Body fat percentage, body mass, age, physical activity and baseline glucose and HbA1c did not significantly differ between groups. Data from food frequency questionnaires indicated that the Chinese participants consumed less Starchy foods, Candy &amp; ‘other’ sweets and sugary drinks and more rice than the Europeans (all P≤ 0.001). The two groups 1-hour postprandial blood glucose responses; 6.32 ±1.13 European versus 7.00 ± 1.24 mmol/l Chinese and 2- hour incremental area under the curve values (iAUC) 156.67 (74.12) mmol/l120min for Europeans versus 214.03 (77.49) mmol/l 120min indicate significant differences (P = 0.003 and P< 0.001) respectively between groups. Findings suggest that the difference between the two groups’ iAUC values do not relate to obvious lifestyle factors. The Chinese group were eating the least sugary and starchy food and yet also have the highest iAUC. It is argued that the Chinese group in this investigation have the most favourable BMI, Body fat percentage and body mass yet 'poorest’ glycaemic response.