Metabolization of fat

[goldenhorseshoe]

Hi guys,

Does fat eventually turn into glucose, during the metabolization process, and raise blood sugar? And as a diabetic, can I help prevent low overnight blood sugar by snacking on cheese or nuts before going to bed?

And one more while I'm at it, how and when does the liver release glucose into the blood stream?

Thanks,

"newly diabetic"

[mith]

I don't think fat ever becomes glucose, rather it it used in place of glucose for respiration.

[goldenhorseshoe]

Thanks

So that does mean the energy gained from burning fat will help stop an occurence of hypoglycemia?

I guess I need to find out why hypoglycemia happens and how it works as well. So many questions...

If anyone can suggest any resources/books to bring me up to speed it would be much appreciated. (I apologize in advance for any lack of sophistication/(correctness!) in my questions, all I have is gr 11 biology)

Cheers

[mith]

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

[MrMistery]

Unfortunately humans do not have the ability to turn fatty acids into glucose. Plants and bacteria can do that through a metabolic pathway named the glyoxylate cycle.
When your body is low on glucose it can adapt to use fat. The liver converts fatty acids to ketone bodies, which are then released into the bloodstream and then used by the body as fuel. However, ketone bodies are acidic. An increase in their blood concentration(as can be the case in untreated diabetus mellitus or during severe fasting) can have dramatic consequences, including ketoacid coma and even death.
Regards,
Andrew

[goldenhorseshoe]

Yep, when I was diagnosed 2 months ago I was reading moderate levels of ketones.. not enough to be in a coma (obviously as I wasn't) but more than normal which I understand is 0.

What branch of biology is it that deals with the digestion, and processing of sugars/fats, glucose regulation in the body? I'd like to read some books on the subject.

[mith]

metabolism

[Darby]

Or physiology.

[MrMistery]

or biochemistry...
Rather it is the physiology and biochemistry of metabolic processes.
But you will find what you want in a biochemistry book rather than in a physiology book. Or of course you could just buy a book on diabetus...

[goldenhorseshoe]

The only problem is that most diabetes educational material is more focused on the simple and practical tips to maintain proper blood-sugar levels. The science component is there, but somewhat secondary. I understand why they do that, but I'm hungry for just a little more!

Thanks for the tips, I'm going to check it out.

[MrMistery]

that is what i suggested a biochemistry book: in general a diabetic already knows most of the physiology part

[victor]

actually, triglycerides can be turned into glucose in human through beta-oxidation and gluconeogenesis pathway (logically). But unfortunately, degradation of fat into acetyl-CoA through beta-oxidation occurs when the level of acetyl-CoA is low, meanwhile gluconeogenesis will be turned on when the acetyl-CoA is high. So, even though it can, but conditionally it cannot. And yes, beside turning the triglycerides into acetyl-CoA, the body also turning it into ketone bodies