Disclosed are a method for activating lipid metabolism in the small
intestine epithelium and also a method for promoting accumulation of
fatty acids into the small intestine epithelium, each of which features
administering an effective amount of a diacylglycerol. Also disclosed are
methods for improving various symptoms in diabetes, which have ingesting
a diacylglycerol. Ingestion of the diacylglycerol leads to accumulation
of the fatty acids in the small intestine. The fatty acids so accumulated
promote induction of .beta.-oxidation, thereby not only activating lipid
catabolism but also making it difficult to allow lipids to accumulate as
triacylglycerols. This series of actions eventually results in
development of lowering action for blood remnant-like lipoprotein level
and also lowering action for blood leptin level, and hence, lipid
metabolism is improved. Further, energy consumption is enhanced by
promoting the induction of .beta.-oxidation and activating lipid
catabolism.
