| 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).
|
hCG
