[Metabolism of glucides and polyols and disorders of their utilization]

The first part of this report is devoted to a description of the metabolic pathways of the principle carbohydrates and polyols. The second part is concerned with the utilisation of these energy-providing substrates, when used in parenteral alimentation. Notions emerge of "total clearance" and of coefficient of utilisation in relation to the rate of administration for each of them. Finally, the third part deals with disturbances of carbolydate and polyol metabolism during stress and diabetes and the possiblilities of the development of hyperlactatemia according to the substances used or the pathological circumstances encountered. A table attempts to summarise the potential complications in comparison with all the substrates used in parenteral alimentation.