Glycerol is a precursor for synthesis of triacylglycerols and of phospholipids in the liver and adipose tissue.
When the body uses stored fat as a source of energy, glycerol and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream.
Glycerol is mainly metabolized in the liver.
Glycerol metabolism is reduced in both cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Blood glycerol levels are highly elevated during diabetes.
Glycerol is believed to be the cause of reduced fertility in patients who suffer from diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Blood glycerol levels in diabetic patients average three times higher than healthy controls.
Circulating glycerol does not glycate proteins as do glucose or fructose.
Before glycerol can enter the pathway of glycolysis or gluconeogenesis it must be converted to their intermediate glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate.
The enzyme glycerol kinase is present mainly in the liver and kidneys, but also in muscle and brain.
Glycerol has very low toxicity when ingested.