Protein and energy metabolism in type 1 diabetes

SummaryProfound metabolic changes occur in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus during insulin deprivation. These include an increase in basal energy expenditure and reduced mitochondrial function. In addition, protein metabolism is significantly affected during insulin deprivation. A greater increase in whole-body protein breakdown than protein synthesis occurs resulting in a net protein loss. During insulin deprivation the splanchnic bed has a net protein accretion which accounts for the total increase in whole-body protein synthesis while muscle is in a net catabolic state.