Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates are used for the production of energy, either burned with physical activity or stored as fat for later use as fuel.

Unlike protein and fats, carbohydrates are not used to rebuild or repair tissues.

Unlike proteins and fats, carbohydrates are not used in the production of hormones.

Carbohydrates are used strictly for energy or stored as fat for later use.

Although all cells require glucose for metabolic function, neither glucose or other sugars are required in the diet.

When carbohydrates are consumed, the pancreas releases insulin in response to the elevation in the blood sugar.  The body recognizes carbohydrates as sugar, whether the source is fruit or candy or white bread, the metabolic response is the same.
Some foods have more glycemic volatility than others as seen in many glycemic indexes.  The blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin in response to the rising blood sugars.  The elevated blood sugars trigger the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones such as cortisol, activating the autonomic nervous system.

Over consumption of carbohydrates stresses the pancreas to overwork by producing excess insulin, increasing LDL cholesterol and predisposes one to diabetes due to fluctuating blood sugars.  Unstable blood sugars are very damaging to the system because high blood sugars can trigger cytokine inflammatory responses that cause the overproduction of ROS, reactive oxygen species, in the form of nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxidase. 
Inflammation in it's many forms can have an affect on carbohydrate metabolism with the overproduction of Interleukin 6. Interleukin 6 is insulin site compatible and can block insulin function at the cell surface.  Oxidation can damage adjacent tissue which can lead to pain, chronic disease and increased aging.

Blood sugars and insulin reactions can facilitate endocrine responses that affect hormone cascades. Insulin and leptin are hormones and are a part of the cannabinoid system that helps regulate energy intake and expenditure of carbohydrate metabolism.  Biochemical cascades activate insulin responses, cortisol is released, estrogen and other hormones are affected.  Many women will experience fluctuations in blood sugar in the days before their period, which often leads to cravings.

When blood sugar drops too low, the sympathetic nervous system activates, the adrenal glands release epinephrine, and the liver is activated to release glycogen to help elevate the blood sugar.

Emotions and blood sugars go hand in hand. The brain depends on blood sugar for most of it's fuel. Emotional stress can have an effect on the blood sugar and high and low blood sugars can have an affect on emotional outlook and resiliency.
Too high or too low blood sugars reaching the brain can result in memory loss, mental stress, anger, irritability, slow thinking or depression.

Hypoglycemia awareness is when the blood sugar drops below 55 or 60 and the person may not realize they are having a reaction, but may exhibit unusual behavior over a short period of time.  Due to the release of stress hormones, the person will likely refuse to acknowledge a problem, can act irrationally, may be angry and irritable, insisting they "feel fine".  Thinking is impaired, fight or flight can be activated, stress hormones are high and an emotional response is likely.  Symptoms of a blood sugar or insulin reaction may include headache, shaking, sweating, disorientation, heart rate increase, being silly or unreasonable, tiredness and numbness or tingling.

If a person has reduced insulin production, or when the insulin is too low, the cells are unable to use glucose and must rely on fat reserves for fuel.  As more and more fat is burned for fuel, a byproduct called ketones are produced, and in excess, build up in the blood causing an acidic condition.  The body is unable to burn the glucose so it remains high in the blood stream, the ketones increase causing increasing acidity in the blood, which can affect dehydration. Ketosis can be a life threatening condition, especially in the diabetic.

Excess carbohydrates in the diet contribute to undesirable weight gain, metabolic imbalances, and a dysaerobic condition predisposing one to fungal and bacterial infections due to high blood sugars, autonomic nervous system stress, depletion of vital reserves and antioxidants.  Excess consumption of carbohydrates are a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Consider having a metabolic profile done to determine your individual nutritional requirements to optimize your health. Learn your strengths and weaknesses unique to your physiology.

Prairie Springs Family Services

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Edibolic Stress, How the Lies You Are Being Fed Are Making You Sick, Michael E. Zohnan, MD, FACEP, c. 2012

Stop the Rollercoaster, How To Take Charge of Your Blood Sugar in Diabetes, John Walsh, et. al.
Torrey Pines Press, c. 1996.

Body Mind and Sugar, EM Abrahamson MD & AW Pezet, Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1972.