Effects of rate of glucose ingestion on subjective satiety

Variations in glycemic index (GI) and thus postprandial glycemia are hypothesized to affect satiety and hunger. We varied the ingestion rate of a glucose beverage consumed with breakfast and lunch (Rapid and Slow) to mimic high- and low-GI meals. We hypothesized greater increases in blood glucose and greater satiety 1-2 hours following meals for rapid compared to slow consumption and that rapid consumption would elicit greater hunger in the postprandial period (2-3 hrs) due to falling blood glucose concentrations. We measured subjective sensations of hunger, fullness and desire to eat, before, immediately and every hour after each meal using visual analog scales and calculated appetite at each of those time points. Appetite score was greater immediately before lunch and at three, four and five hours after lunch for the rapid versus the slow condition. These results indicate that variation in the postprandial glycemic response may be an important contributing factor to satiety.