Rapid insulin release after ingestion of a meal in the unanesthetized rat.

Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured in undisturbed and free-moving rats. The insulin level rises already in the 1st min after the start of food ingestion, whereas the glucose level begins to increase only in the 3rd min if carbohydrate-rich food is eaten. This early rise in insulin level is observed also under conditions in which either carbohydrate-free food or even "food" without any caloric value is offered. The smell of food cannot produce this early insulin response. It is concluded that in the rat other factors besides a rise in nutrient content in the blood produce insulin release in the first minutes after food ingestion.