The impact of the cephalic phase on postprandial blood glucose and satiety

Abstract

Summary Background and aims The impact of cephalic phase on postprandial insulin response is well documented however its effects on postprandial blood glucose remain inconsistent. The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of cephalic phase on postprandial blood glucose and satiety. Methods Twelve participants were recruited and tested on two different occasions (i) with modified sham feeding (MSF) (ii) without MSF (Control) followed by white bread (50 g available carbohydrate) consumption. Finger-prick blood samples were taken at regular interval for 120 min to measure blood glucose. Measurements of satiety (hunger, fullness, desire to eat and prospective eating) were taken using 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS). Results Blood glucose changes did not differ between the two occasions after 30, 60 and 120 min. Similarly, there were no differences in satiety between the MSF test compared with the control. Conclusion These findings suggest that the cephalic phase do not affect either postprandial blood glucose or satiety.