FAT METABOLISM IN DIABETES MELLITUS

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Abstract
Study of liver slices from diabetic cats showed abundant formation of ketones but not of acetic acid or a sufficient O2 uptake to satisfy the [beta]-oxidation hypothesis. The fatty acids oxidized all appeared as ketones. The multiple alternate oxidation hypothesis is in accord with the facts. The O2 uptake is accounted for by the deamination of amino acids, and the formation of CO2 and ketone, leaving no residuum for conversion of fats into glucose. Ketones are utilized efficiently by the diabetic organism (evidence given in detail) without insulin and without the necessity of simultaneous carbohydrate oxidation. Re-examination of the data from calorimetric studies on diabetics with ketosis does not confirm the view that ketosis occurs when the K/A ratio of 2:1 is exceeded. Ketosis appears when tissue metabolism is shifted so far to fat that the body''s capacity to handle fat derivatives (2.5 g./kg./day) is overborne by the ketone-producing mechanism.

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