Carbohydrate Metabolism in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

DIABETES mellitus is characterized by both fasting hyperglycemia and exaggerated postprandial increases in the plasma glucose level. Understanding the causes of these abnormalities is important for the rational use of current treatments and for developing more effective therapy. In this seminar, we review the physiology of normal carbohydrate metabolism and the pathophysiology of abnormalities in diabetes mellitus. Normal Physiology: Postabsorptive State The term “postabsorptive state” refers to the period 6 to 12 hours after a meal during which the transition from the postprandial to the fasting state occurs. At this time plasma glucose levels are at a nearly steady state;…