Deb,
When fat, triglycerides, are eaten they are digested into short-chain fatty acids to diffuse into the epithelial cells of the intestinal villi and then into the blood capillaries. They are then recombined back into triglycerides and further combined with protein particles to form lipoproteins such as chylomicrons, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). These lipids are oxidized to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the main fuel for the cells. None of this process requires insulin, carbohydrates or glucose.
The excess lipids are deposited in the adipose (fat) tissue of the body. This process does not require insulin, carbohdyrates or glucose either.
From a practical standpoint we know that carbohdrates are not needed for the metabolism of dietary fat because one can eat a diet with absolutely zero carbohydrates and function just fine. The Eskimo story and all meat diet experience has proven that.
Stefansson 1 - Eskimos Prove An All Meat Diet Provides Excellent Health.
We also know that eating a high fat diet does not raise insulin but instead lowers the blood insulin level because the insulin would reduce the blood glucose to undesirable levels, since no carbohydrates were eaten.
The body can easily convert protein and fats to glucose to maintain the proper blood glucose level. This does not require insulin either. This was shown in my last blood test when I was on an extremely low carbohydate diet for weeks before a 12 hour fast. My blood glucose reading was perfectly in mid-range of normal. The body does not produce excess glucose when on a very low-carbohyrate diet, and therefore, has no need to produce insulin as is done when excess carbohydrates are eaten.
Bottom line. The scientific requirement and the practical requirement for carbohydrates in the diet is ZERO. Absolutely none are required for any reason. This fact is sheepishly stated in some human physiology books followed by a strong declaration that we
should consume 60% of caloric intake as carbohydrates. We know that eating that many carbohydrates will result in obesity and many diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, bowel diseases and auto-immune diseases.
Kent