Blood Glucose Regulation
The human body maintains blood glucose within a narrow range of 70-100 mg/dL despite enormous variation in food intake and energy expenditure. This homeostasis is achieved through a coordinated interplay between insulin (which lowers glucose) and counter-regulatory hormones like glucagon (which raises it). The pancreatic beta cell serves as the glucose sensor and insulin secretion engine at the center of this regulatory system.
The Minimal Model of Glucose Kinetics
This simulator implements a simplified version of the Bergman Minimal Model, one of the most widely used mathematical frameworks in diabetes research. Glucose dynamics are governed by two competing fluxes: glucose appearance (dietary input plus hepatic production) and glucose disappearance (insulin-mediated uptake plus basal clearance). Insulin secretion is proportional to glucose elevation above a threshold, scaled by beta-cell capacity.
Modeling Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops through a progression of insulin resistance followed by beta-cell failure. Start by reducing insulin sensitivity to 0.3 — you'll see compensatory hyperinsulinemia maintaining near-normal glucose. Then reduce beta-cell function below 50% to observe the transition to frank hyperglycemia. For Type 1, set beta-cell function to 10-20% to model near-complete insulin deficiency.
Clinical Implications
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) is the clinical gold standard for diagnosing diabetes. This simulation produces curves directly comparable to GTT results. Watch how the parameters affect fasting glucose, peak postprandial excursion, and time to return to baseline. The area under the insulin curve reflects total insulin secretion — elevated AUC with normal glucose suggests compensated insulin resistance.