There are three major glucose curves: monophasic, biphasic, and incessant increase. Discover the underlying causes behind these curves, their implications for health and tips for improving your glucose responses.

Key takeaways

• Monophasic glucose response indicates reduced insulin sensitivity and increased risk of metabolic dysfunction and impaired glucose metabolism.
• Biphasic glucose response indicates enhanced health outcomes, decreased glucose levels, and increased insulin sensitivity.
• Incessant increase response indicates even poorer pancreatic beta cell function, insulin resistance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Understanding the causes of different glucose curves can help identify factors that influence glucose levels and inform effective management techniques.

Grasping how our bodies react to food, particularly high-sugar meals, is essential for sustaining optimal health. Monophasic, biphasic and incessant increase glucose curves could indicate varying degrees of metabolic fitness, which can have significant consequences for glucose management.

What are the three types of glucose spikes?

• Monophasic glucose response: characterised by a single glucose peak followed by a consistent decline, this curve might suggest a diminished and compromised first phase of insulin release.
• Biphasic glucose response: features an initial peak 30-60 minutes post-meal, a drop in glucose levels, and then a secondary increase between 90-120 minutes. This curve is indicative of superior insulin release during the first phase and heightened insulin sensitivity.
• Incessant increase: a continuous gradual rise in blood sugar in the 120 minutes post-meal without a drop of at least 4.5 md/dL or 0.25 mmol/L.

Implications of monophasic, biphasic and incessant increase glucose responses

Studies have shown that individuals with a biphasic response tend to exhibit:

• Enhanced health outcomes
• Decreased glucose levels
• Lower fasting insulin levels
• Reduced BMI
• Increased insulin sensitivity
• Fewer instances of impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome

Research demonstrates that individuals with monophasic responses after consuming large amounts of carbohydrates may have a lower metabolic health profile. This may include:

• Reduced insulin sensitivity
• Decreased pancreatic beta cell function
• Elevated glucose levels
• Increased fasting insulin levels
• Higher insulin levels two hours post-glucose consumption
• A higher prevalence of metabolic dysfunction and impaired glucose metabolism

Those with an incessant increase response tend to display an even lower metabolic health profile:

• Even poorer pancreatic beta cell function
• Insulin resistance
• Decreased glucose tolerance
• May indicate a faster decline of beta cell function
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes

The underlying causes of monophasic, biphasic and incessant increase glucose spikes

The disparity between these curves may be linked to the two insulin release phases following glucose consumption:

• First phase: rapid onset after glucose consumption, with a short duration
• Second phase: begins later and is more prolonged

Individuals with a monophasic response experience a reduced and compromised first phase of insulin release. Those with an incessant increase may have an even lower insulin response, due to poor beta cell function.

In contrast, those with a biphasic response enjoy superior insulin release during the first phase and increased insulin sensitivity. Additional factors, such as the rate of stomach emptying and hormonal influences, may also affect the glucose curve.

Tips for improving your glucose responses

Although a biphasic response to a specific meal is linked with improved health outcomes, it is crucial to remember that consistent high glucose peaks after meals can be risk factors for poor health.

The optimal glucose curve remains relatively flat throughout the day, with minimal fluctuations, staying within the desired range. Ideally, the curve displays minimal glucose variability.

Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can shed light on your glycaemic control patterns and aid in enhancing metabolic health over time. To maintain optimal glucose management, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Regularly monitor blood glucose levels with a CGM
• Choose low-GI foods where possible and pair your high carb foods with protein, fats and fibre
• Distribute carbohydrates evenly throughout the day
• Engage in regular exercise, and exercise you enjoy
• Seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional

Recognising the distinctions between monophasic, incessant increase and biphasic glucose responses can help you understand your metabolic health better. By pinpointing factors that influence glucose levels and adopting effective management techniques, you can work towards achieving better health outcomes and improved metabolic fitness. As always, consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your glucose levels or require personalised guidance.

Vively is a metabolic health app that shows you your glucose responses in real-time, using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). It combines your personal health data with education and support to help you achieve optimal metabolic health.

References

1. Li, Y., Xu, W., Liao, Z., Yao, B., Chen, L., Wu, J., ... & Zhao, X. (2018). A biphasic glucose curve during an oral glucose tolerance test and the risk of incident cardiovascular diseases in Chinese adults. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9823627
2. Mehran, A. E., Templeman, N. M., Brigidi, G. S., Lim, G. E., Chu, K. Y., Hu, X., ... & Johnson, J. D. (2018). Hyperinsulinemia drives diet-induced obesity independently of brain insulin production. Cell Metabolism, 28(2), 228-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.005
3. Nathan, D. M., Kuenen, J., Borg, R., Zheng, H., Schoenfeld, D., & Heine, R. J. (2003). Assessing the shape of the glucose curve during an oral glucose tolerance test. Diabetes Care, 26(4), 1026-1032. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.26.4.1026
4. Selvin, E., Steffes, M. W., Ballantyne, C. M., Hoogeveen, R. C., Coresh, J., & Brancati, F. L. (2011). Racial differences in glycemic markers: a cross-sectional analysis of community-based data. Annals of Internal Medicine, 154(5), 303-309. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-154-5-201103010-00004