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Metabolic Fuel Status

Meaning

Metabolic Fuel Status refers to the current composition and availability of energy substrates—namely glucose, fatty acids, and ketone bodies—circulating in the bloodstream and stored within tissues. This status dictates which substrates are preferentially utilized by various organs to generate ATP, a process that is under tight hormonal control. A balanced status, characterized by metabolic flexibility, allows for efficient switching between fuels based on physiological demand, which is a hallmark of robust metabolic health. Imbalances, such as chronically high glucose or fatty acids, contribute to insulin resistance and systemic stress.