Heterogeneity in postprandial glucose-insulin and triacylglycerol dynamics and associations with plasma metabolome and body composition in obesity

Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) revealed large individual and sex-specific differences in postprandial glucose, C-peptide, and triacylglycerol dynamics in obesity. Although the primary postprandial patterns correlated strongly with the area under the curve (AUC), the presence and timing of peaks varied independently of AUC. Over 40% of participants showed nonsynchronized postprandial glucose and C-peptide curves. High and delayed peaks were associated with markers of insulin resistance, altered amino acid metabolism, visceral adiposity, and liver dysfunction.