Alternative indicators of metabolic control

Abstract This brief review will focus on indicators of metabolic control alternative to glucose, ketone body and lactate measurements, specifically reviewed in other articles of this issue. The effects of insulin on protein metabolism are summarized and, the potential clinical relevance of monitoring energy expenditure in diabetic subjects is discussed. Many studies have shown that maintaining a regular physical activity regimen improves quality of life, reduces the risk of mortality from all causes, prevents type 2 diabetes mellitus in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, and enhances glucose control in subjects affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Monitoring energy expenditure is a novel approach to implement the non-pharmacological treatment of subjects with diabetes mellitus.