Mathematical meal models for simulation of human metabolism

TL;DR

This paper reviews and critically analyzes five mathematical models of meal glucose appearance in humans, emphasizing their importance in simulating metabolism for health and disease management.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive critique of existing models and discusses key aspects of systematic mathematical modeling of human metabolism.

Findings

Identifies strengths and limitations of five common models.

Highlights importance of meal modeling, stoichiometry, and kinetics.

Provides guidance for developing improved metabolic models.

Abstract

We present and critically discuss five commonly used mathematical models of the meal glucose rate of appearance in humans. Such models are key to simulation of the metabolism in healthy people, people with diabetes, and obese people, and they are central to developing effective treatments and prevention strategies. Furthermore, we discuss important aspects of systematic mathematical modeling of human metabolism, including meal consumption modeling, stoichiometry and reaction kinetics, and general-purpose model components.