Glucose/Insulin Metabolism
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Glucose/insulin metabolism reveals insulin function. When insulin function is impaired, glucose cannot be transported into the cells fast enough to support regular cellular metabolism. The result is a form of cellular starvation in which fat is mobilized and amino acids are broken down to manufacture glucose intracellularly. This results in ketone body formation, small organic acids in addition to more anaerobic metabolism, forming excess lactate which can acidify cells and the blood to harmful levels. Diabetes Mellitus is the name given to a lack of insulin function.

An imbalance in glucose/insulin metabolism could be a contributing cause of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on glucose tolerance testing. Morbidly obese persons with a glucose/insulin metabolism imbalance may indicate insulin resistance. Thus, deficiency symptoms include cold hands and feet, disorientation, dizziness, fatigue, glucose intolerance, headache and nausea.

Dietary suggestions are to remove, as much as possible, refined carbohydrates (table sugar), corn syrup, white flour, products made predominantly with white flour and/or sugar, and replace them with whole food, unrefined carbohydrates (whole grains and grain products, fruits, legumes). Also reduce the intake of foods with a high glycemic index and if clinically indicated, it is suggested that further laboratory testing of glucose/insulin metabolism be conducted (glucose tolerance test and glycosylated hemoglobin).

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