Disclosed are methods of producing a blunted postprandial glycemic
response in an individual, and/or reducing postprandial insulin
secretion, said methods comprising administering to the individual a
nutritional or other product comprising gamma-cyclodextrin. Also
disclosed are similar other methods directed toward the use of such
products to provide weight and appetite control, to normalize blood
glucose levels in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, to
minimize nighttime hypoglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, to
prevent reactive hypoglycemia in susceptible non-diabetics, to normalize
blood glucose levels in individuals with gestational diabetes or impaired
glucose tolerance during gestation, and/or to provide a prolonged
glycemic response during exercise. The methods are based upon the
discovery that gamma-cyclodextrins are rapidly metabolized and absorbed
in the small intestine, but subsequently result in a surprisingly blunted
postprandial glycemic response and reduced insulin secretion.