After a carbohydrate meal, blood sugar increases for several hours, then returns to base line in response to homoeostatic mechanisms. The rise in blood glucose is due to the intestinal absorption of glucose, released from starch and sugars by amylase and disaccharidases. Fructose and galactose are more slowly metabolized to glucose by the liver. Insulin secreted by beta cells of the endocrine pancreas is released in response to elevated blood sugar. Insulin, a major anabolic hormone, stimulates skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to take up glucose from the circulation.

After a carbohydrate meal, blood sugar increases for several hours, then returns to base line in response to homoeostatic mechanisms. The rise in blood glucose is due to the intestinal absorption of glucose, released from starch and sugars by amylase and disaccharidases. Fructose and galactose are more slowly metabolized to glucose by the liver. Insulin secreted by beta cells of the endocrine pancreas is released in response to elevated blood sugar. Insulin, a major anabolic hormone, stimulates skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to take up glucose from the circulation.

Blood Glucose Regulation

The liver, brain and red blood cells do not require insulin for glucose uptake. The central nervous system requires glucose as its primary fuel. Though the brain accounts for only about 10% of body weight, it uses more than 30% of blood glucose. To maintain fasting blood glucose levels in the face of this steady drain of glucose, a variety of hormones are required, chiefly, glucagon from alpha cells of the endocrine pancreas and glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. Glucagon acts rapidly on the liver to break down stored glycogen to glucose, while glucocorticoids more slowly stimulate protein breakdown; for example, in skeletal muscle to release free amino acids. Many amino acids can be converted to glucose by the liver (gluconeogenesis). Fat breakdown to free fatty acids is also stimulated by glucagon in order to provide an alternative fuel for most of the body, exclusive of the CNS. Other glands involved: the thyroid gland helps determine the metabolic rate, while the pituitary orchestrates most endocrine activity including the thyroid. The kidneys reabsorb most of the glucose in the filtrate. However, when blood glucose increases above a threshold, the kidneys spill glucose into the urine, a sign of abnormal glucose regulation.

Nutritional Support

The interaction of the endocrine system with organs and tissues to maintain blood glucose requires a full array of micronutrients. A diet comprised by processed, refined foods may not supply adequate amounts of these nutrients. In addition, individuals with blood glucose disorders may have special dietary needs for such nutrients.

The B Complex

The B vitamins work together in central roles to produce energy from amino acids, fat and carbohydrate via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6 are present in Bio-Glycozyme as thiamine pyrophosphate, riboflavin 5-phosphate and pyridoxal 5-phosphate. These phosphorylated derivates represent biologically active, coenzyme (enzyme helper) forms of B vitamins. Imbalanced glucose metabolism can be linked to low thiamine status. Diabetic mice were shown to be riboflavin deficient. Vitamin B6 is required by enzymes called transaminases in the first step of the break down of most amino acids for energy production. Serum B6 levels were below normal in 25% of diabetics. Vitamin B6 deficiency is related to impaired nerve function.

Niacinamide forms NAD and NADP, essential redox coenzymes.

Pantothenic acid forms coenzyme A. This coenzyme is required to oxidize protein, carbohydrate and fat via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Therefore, it is essential for efficient energy production.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are responsible for utilization of glycine and serine from glucose as methyl donors and for the conversion of the byproduct homocysteine back to either methionine or to cysteine. Hyperhomocysteinemia is often associated with impaired vascular function. Vitamin B12 may be required for glucose homeostasis.

Biotin assists in the formation of glucose from amino acids and lactate and it supports liver utilization of glucose via the enzyme glucokinase.

Other Vitamins and Factors

Vitamin A is required for the maintenance and development of normal mucosa and epithelial tissues. Decreased vitamin A status correlated with altered pancreatic functioning and glucose metabolism. Vitamin A deficiency coupled with induced diabetes in lab animals impaired gut absorptive functions.

Vitamin K activates certain blood clotting factors and it is required to synthesize osteocalcin required in calcium homeostasis.

Choline and inositol are considered lipotropes, nutrients able to normalize fatty acid and ketone body metabolism in laboratory animals. They are precursors of a variety of phospholipids that serve essential functions in liver, including the transfer of lipids as lipoproteins.

Lysine and methionine are precursors of L-carnitine, which acts to transport fatty acids for mitochondria energy production. In addition, methionine functions as a methyl donor for phospholipid synthesis and is classified as a lipotropic nutrient to help normalize liver fatty acid metabolism.