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Dual Fuel Metabolism

Meaning

Dual Fuel Metabolism describes the highly desirable physiological capacity of the body to efficiently and seamlessly switch between utilizing two primary energy substrates—glucose (derived from carbohydrates) and fatty acids (derived from stored fat)—to power cellular function. This metabolic flexibility is a hallmark of excellent metabolic health, allowing the organism to adapt its energy source based on nutrient availability and immediate physiological demands, such as rest versus intense exercise. Individuals with impaired metabolic flexibility, often characterized by insulin resistance, are typically locked into an inefficient, primary glucose-burning state, leading to suboptimal energy utilization and metabolic dysfunction.