Modeling Post-Prandial Glucose Diffusion: The Effect of Dietary Macronutrients in a Controlled In-Vitro System

Overview

This project investigated how dietary macronutrients affect the rate of glucose diffusion across a semi-permeable membrane. The hypothesis was that fiber and protein would reduce glucose diffusion compared to glucose alone, while fat would have a smaller effect. To test this, glucose solutions were prepared either alone or combined with 2 grams of fiber, protein, or fat. Dialysis tubing was used as an in-vitro model of intestinal transport and placed in a saline solution representing a simplified bloodstream environment. Glucose diffusion into the surrounding solution was measured at 30, 60, and 90 minutes using Benedict’s reagent and a standardized color scale. Each condition was tested across multiple trials. The results showed that fiber and protein consistently slowed glucose diffusion compared to the control, while fat produced a smaller effect. These findings suggest that macronutrient-induced changes in solution properties may influence glucose diffusion kinetics and may have implications for managing post-prandial blood glucose levels.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Medicine & Physiology (Senior Division) · Entry S-15-15

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