Abstract for: Modeling of Postprandial Response Dynamics Across Metabolic Health States Using Adaptive Reference Points

The metabolic systems of individuals with different metabolic health conditions are known to display physiological differences (e.g. insulin resistance), leading to different response dynamics to identical stimuli (e.g. food intake). We explore if utilizing adaptive reference points in a differential equation model of postprandial response can reliably incorporate such physiological adaptivity across metabolic health states. For this purpose, we built a differential equation model of the most fundamental glucose and insulin interactions to describe the postprandial response dynamics. Reference points provide the generic model with the flexibility to be adapted across different applications, integrating the concepts of allostatic flexibility and homeostatic stability. The model is validated using postprandial data of an average healthy and lean body as well as data from three metabolic health stages. Results support the hypothesized reciprocal relationship between insulin sensitivity and beta-cell response qualities and further suggest the extension of this two-dimensional conceptualization of metabolic health with two more dimensions of glucose receptor and glucose uptake qualities of the peripheral tissues. These findings are promising for utilizing differential equation modeling as a diagnostic tool by identifying health information from simple postprandial datasets.