A simulation model of extracellular glucose distribution in the human body

A model of the human circulation, devised for use in computer simulation studies of the dynamics of glucose-insulin interactions, is presented. The circulation is modeled as a branched circuit, with separate branches representing the major circulation paths in which distinctly different processes, important in glucose-insulin dynamics, occur. Individual processes are formulated directly, in more explicit detail than that possible in conventional "compartment" models, and are subject to experimental verification. Initial studies of circulatory distribution responses to glucose injections of various sizes have yielded quantitative estimates of the parameters governing glucose diffusion between the circulation and various major interstitial beds. This model provides solute-concentration response simulations in more realistic form and more comprehensive structure than has been reported in previous work on this subject. It is believed that such improvements will be useful in the investigation of rapid-response modes observed in insulin secretory responses to glucose.