Important role of the kidney in human carbohydrate metabolism

Abstract

Recent studies using a combination of isotope and balance techniques have shown that, in the postabsorptive state, the human kidney contributes substantially to overall glucose production and consumption. The kidney may contribute as much as the liver to gluconeogenesis and play an important role in the counterregulation of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, increased renal glucose production may contribute to fasting hyperglycemia found in type I and type II diabetes mellitus. Finally, loss of renal tissue as a consumer of glucose could explain the insulin resistance of uremia. We hypothesize that the human kidney may play a more important role in human carbohydrate metabolism than previously appreciated.