Influence of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations on carbohydrate oxidation in man

The influence of both plasma glucose and insulin levels on the rate of carbohydrate oxidation was separately assessed in control subjects. During inhibition of endogenous insulin secretion by epinephrine + propranolol, glucose infusion produced an increase in carbohydrate oxidation when plasma glucose levels reached approximately 200 mg/100 ml. Addition of exogenous insulin to the glucose infusion was accompanied by a further rise in carbohydrate oxidation and a decrease in plasma glucose level. It was concluded that hyperglycemia without insulin response represents a compensatory mechanism which favours peripheral glucose utilization.