Computational modeling of postprandial glucose homeostasis in humans
The aim of this project is to evaluate disturbances of the glucose regulatory system for various phenotypes (healthy, type 2 diabetes and obesity). Relevant literature information will be assembled and parameter estimation techniques will be applied to investigate the changed physiological processes between the different phenotypes.
A tight regulation of blood glucose concentrations, termed glucose homeostasis, is required to ensure normal body function. Glucose homeostasis involves various different organs, such as the pancreas, skeletal muscle and the liver. Impairment of this regulatory system can result in metabolic imbalances, emphasizing the importance of proper blood glucose management.
A mechanistic model, describing the interplay of glucose, insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the postprandial state has been developed at the systemic level [1]. The model has been calibrated using clamp, and dynamic data describing the postprandial response of healthy individuals to an intake of either lipid or glucose. The aim of this project is to evaluate disturbances of the glucose regulatory system for various phenotypes (healthy, type 2 diabetes and obesity). Relevant literature information will be assembled and parameter estimation techniques will be applied to investigate the changed physiological processes between the different phenotypes. The model will be adjusted to enable model-based predictions of the glucose and insulin response to meals varying in carbohydrate and fat content.