What is glucose? Everyone uses it, but few will be able to give a definition. This is a substance that the human body needs. The health of people depends on the timely intake of glucose.
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats can supply energy to the body. But glucose is a substance that occupies a leading place among those used for energy needs.
Definition
Glucose, also called dextrose, is a white or colorless powder that is odorless and has a sweet taste. Glucose is a substance that can be called a universal fuel for the human body. Indeed, most of the energy needs are covered precisely at its expense. It must be present in the blood constantly. But it should be noted that its excess, as well as its lack, is dangerous. During hunger, the body eats what it is built from. In this case, muscle proteins are converted to glucose. This can be extremely dangerous.
Physical properties of glucose
What is glucose? As mentioned earlier, this is a colorless, sweet crystalline substance. It dissolves very well in water. Glucose is found in almost all plant organs: in flowers, roots, fruits and leaves. A very large amount of glucose is found in ripe berries and fruits, as well as grape juice. It is also present in animal organisms. The proportion of a substance in human blood is approximately one tenth of a percent.
Chemical properties of glucose
What is glucose? This substance belongs to polyhydric alcohols. Its formula is C6H12O6. If glucose solution is added to freshly precipitated copper hydroxide, a bright blue solution will be obtained. In order to have a complete picture of the structure of a substance, you need to know how the glucose molecule is built. Since six oxygen atoms enter into functional groups, the carbon atoms that form the skeleton of the molecule are connected directly to each other.
A glucose solution contains molecules with an open chain of atoms, as well as cyclic. What is glucose? This is a substance that has a dual chemical nature. It forms esters, oxidizes. A glucose cell can break down into two lactic acid cells and free energy. This process is called glycolysis. The glucose molecule exists in three isomeric forms. One of them is linear, and the other two are cyclic.
Glucose and food
Glucose enters the human body along with carbohydrates. After entering the intestines, they break down, turning into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. Some part of the substance is spent on the energy needs of the body, the other is deposited in the form of fat reserves. Some glucose is deposited as a substance such as glycogen. After digesting food and stopping the flow of glucose into the blood from the intestine, the process of the reverse conversion of glycogen and fats to glucose begins. In this way, the human body maintains a continuous glucose level in the blood. In general, the process of converting fats and proteins to glucose and vice versa takes quite a long time. But the same process with glucose and glycogen occurs much faster. For this reason, glycogen is the main storage carbohydrate.
Hormone Regulators
The process of converting glucose to glycogen and vice versa is regulated by hormones. Insulin reduces the concentration of glucose in human blood. Hormones such as adrenaline, glucagon, cortisol increase it. If in the passage of such reactions between glycogen and glucose there are any violations, a person may have a serious illness. One of them is diabetes.
How to measure blood glucose?
Measurement of blood glucose is the main test that is performed to detect diabetes. In venous and capillary blood glucose levels are different. It can fluctuate due to a person’s hunger or satiety. When measured on an empty stomach (at least eight hours after eating) in the venous blood, the glucose content should be from 3.3 to 5.5 millimoles per liter, and in the capillary blood a little more - from 4 to 6.1 millimoles per liter. A couple of hours after a meal, the level of the substance should not be higher than 7.8 millimoles per liter. This applies to both venous and capillary blood. If within a week, when measured on an empty stomach, the glucose level does not fall below 6.3 millimoles per liter, you should immediately consult an endocrinologist and conduct an additional examination.
Excessive Blood Glucose
This situation is called hyperglycemia. It develops most often with diabetes mellitus. What causes glucose levels to rise? The reason may be:
- diabetes;
- stress, strong emotional stress;
- myocardial infarction;
- diseases of the kidneys, pancreas and endocrine system;
- moderate physical activity.
When stressful situations occur, blood glucose may increase. This is due to the fact that the human body, responding to a similar situation, begins to secrete stress hormones. And they just increase the level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia has different degrees of severity: from mild to moderate to coma, when the glucose level exceeds 55.5 millimoles per liter.
Low blood glucose
This phenomenon is called hypoglycemia. This is a condition where the concentration of a substance in the blood is less than 3.3 millimoles per liter. What are the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia? It can be: muscle weakness, excessive sweating, confused consciousness, impaired coordination.
Blood glucose levels are reduced due to factors such as:
- malnutrition or starvation;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- strong physical activity;
- endocrine system diseases;
- insulin overdose.
With very strong hypoglycemia, a person may have a hypoglycemic coma.
Glucose and medicine
A solution of this substance is used in the treatment of a large number of diseases, with a lack of glucose. They are also given some medications before being injected into a vein.
Glucose is a very necessary substance that plays an important role in the work of the human body.
Application
Glucose is very nutritious. Starch, which is contained in food, enters the digestive tract, turns into glucose. From there, it spreads throughout the body. Since this substance is very easily absorbed by the body, and also gives it energy, glucose is used as a strengthening therapeutic agent.
Since it is sweet, it is also used in the confectionery business. Glucose - sugar, which is part of molasses, caramel, marmalade, gingerbread. In general, all simple carbohydrates, which are called sugars, are divided into two types: glucose, fructose. And most often in one product their mixture is contained. An example is table sugar, in which two of these substances are in equal amounts.
It is worth remembering that too much consumption of sweets harms the human body. After all, there are diseases such as obesity, caries, diabetes. Life is shortened because of this. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your diet and consume all the necessary substances within the normal range. Then everything will be in order with health.