Preabsorptive insulin release in bulimic women and chronic dieters

Preabsorptive insulin release was examined in bulimic women and in matched controls who diet. A palatable food was presented to subjects after an overnight fast and plasma insulin and glucose were measured at baseline, during presentation of the food and after it had been tasted. Food presentation and consumption were associated with significant elevations in plasma insulin levels prior to elevations in blood glucose, but not prior to actual tasting and consumption of the food. Insulin levels of bulimic and dieting women did not differ significantly at any time. The results indicate that when dietary restraint and body weight are controlled, bulimics do not display abnormal patterns of insulin release in response to foods.