In general, the term minimal model refers to the simplest possible description of a system that can explain relevant properties of its behaviour. Usually, a minimal model is obtained by evaluating a cluster of different models from which the simplest one that is able to descript the system's behaviour is selected.
Application to carbohydrate metabolism[]
In a more special sense, minimal model denotes a certain mathematical model of the feedback interaction of insulin and blood glucose levels in the homeostasis of carbohydrate metabolism. The minimal model is a substitute for older linear approaches to the glucotropic feedback control. It has been first published in the years 1979 and 1980 by Bergman, Cobelli et al.
Today, minimal model represents the quasi-standard for modelling and evaluating the function of glucose homeostasis.
Related models[]
Related and alternative approaches cover:
- Homeostasis model
- Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)
- MiMe-NoCoDI model (see also SPINA)