Background It is recognized that there are differences between ethnic groups in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly defined. For example, whilst insulin resistance, exacerbated by obesity, is common in Caucasian, Hispanic and South Asian populations, impairment in insulin secretion appears to be the primary defect in the pathogenesis of T2D in East Asians. Within the United Kingdom (UK), diabetes and its complications disproportionately affect ethnic minority groups, particularly those of black African-Caribbean (AfC) descent. Studies indicate that the rate of gastric emptying is a major determinant of postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in those with a White European (WE) background in both health and T2D, and although there is evidence that gastric emptying is influenced by ethnicity (which may contribute to the development of T2D), gastric emptying has, to our knowledge, not been evaluated in those of AfC heritage.

Aims The primary objective is to compare the gastric emptying rate in 2 UK ethnic groups. This will be done by conducting a descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study in 60 healthy participants. Secondary objectives are to determine any relationship between glycemia, insulinemia and incretin hormone secretion in these groups.

Experimental protocol Sixty volunteers; 30 of WE and 30 of black AfC heritage will be recruited. Following a successful medical screening visit, participants will be asked to record their dietary intake over 3 days before attending the laboratory for their study visit. On the day before the study visit they will be asked to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and caffeine intake and to eat their normal diet. On the study day, participants will arrive at the laboratory in the morning following an overnight fast. A cannula will be inserted into a vein in the top of the hand and the hand placed in a warming box for repeat arterialized-venous blood sampling over the study day. After baseline breath and blood samples have been taken, participants will then be given a drink containing 75g of glucose dissolved in 300ml water (standard oral glucose tolerance test), to which has been added 150mg of 13C labelled acetate, and asked to consume it within 5 minutes. The stable isotope label on the acetate allows us to assess gastric emptying by detecting the appearance of 13CO2 in breath. Blood samples (6ml) will be collected prior to the drink, with further samples being taken every 15min for the first 2hrs, then every 30min for the next hour, with a final sample taken at 4hrs. Blood will be analysed for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucagon, and Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Following the drink, subjects will also be asked to complete satiety and GI symptom questionnaires every half hour throughout the study. At the end of the 4 hours, participants will be asked to complete a series of autonomic function tests, during which we will measure blood pressure and heart rate. These tests are 2mins of rhythmic breathing (5sec inhale: 5sec exhale) and postural change to standing from resting semi-supine. After this time, the cannula will be removed and the study is completed