Which phase emphasizes tight glucose control as a metabolic goal?

• A. Stress phase
• B. Catabolic phase
• C. Anabolic phase
• D. Recovery phase

Answer: (B)

During catabolic phase, the body is in a state of rapid tissue breakdown with high insulin resistance driven by the stress response. In this situation, keeping blood glucose within a controlled range becomes a primary metabolic goal because hyperglycemia can worsen immune function, increase infection risk, and impair healing. By emphasizing tight glucose control, you help reduce complications while continuing to deliver energy and protein to blunt further catabolism. In contrast, anabolic phase focuses on providing nutrients to support tissue synthesis and growth, and recovery phase centers on stabilization and weaning from advanced support.