Normalization effect of preceding protein meals on "diabetic" oral glucose tolerance in Eskimos.

Routine testing of 76 clinically non-diabetic Eskimos showed marked impairment of oral glucose tolerance in 54% but normal intravenous glucose tolerance in most of these. Total insulin output following the glucose drink was not found different in Eskimos with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance nor did lean meat meals given 60 minutes before the glucose significantly increase it. Intolerance to oral glucose loads appeared significantly related to a delay of insulin release and both timing of insulin response and shape of blood glucose curve normalized in the meal-preceded tests.