Estimation of minimal model parameters with the use of an adaptive observer for suprabasal insulin action

Based on the minimal model, insulin sensitivity (S₁) and glucose effectiveness (S_G) can be estimated from the results of an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). However, this task is complex because the suprabasal insulin action (X) at any one time depends on the whole history of plasma insulin levels since the basal steady-state was disrupted. Here, the authors develop an adaptive observer for accurate estimation of insulin action (X). This adaptive observer forms the foundation of a new way to identify minimal model parameters. Compared to the well-known MINMOD program, this new technique is robust as it is less dependent on initial estimates, and accurate as it minimises both the plasma glucose error and insulin action error