Postprandial glucose and hormone responses may differ across ethnic groups even in young, lean adults. In a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, South Asians showed a biphasic glucose response to a mixed meal, along with sex-specific differences in incretin, glucagon, and insulin patterns compared with Europids.

The study included 49 young, lean South Asian and Europid males and females, comprising 24 South Asians and 25 Europids. Participants underwent an extended mixed meal tolerance test lasting up to 240 minutes. Blood samples were collected at seven time points to assess active and total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, glucose, insulin, and lipid-related parameters.

Europids generally demonstrated a monophasic glucose pattern, with a single peak at 30 minutes. In contrast, South Asians more often showed a biphasic glucose excursion, with peaks at 30 and 90 minutes after the meal.

Among South Asian males, the biphasic glucose pattern was accompanied by a greater insulin response, with elevations corresponding to both glucose peaks. South Asian females showed a marked decline in glucagon at 90 minutes and biphasic excursions of total and active GLP-1 and GIP, with peaks at 30 and 120 minutes.

Postprandial lipid excursions did not differ between ethnic groups. The findings suggest that South Asians may have distinct meal-related glucose regulation and sex-specific hormonal responses despite similar lipid handling, which may help inform future metabolic risk research.