What is glucose? Everyone uses it, but few can give a definition. This is a substance that the human body needs. Human he alth depends on the timely intake of glucose.
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats can supply energy to the body. But glucose is the substance that ranks first 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. After all, most of the energy needs are covered just at its expense. It must be present in the blood all the time. But it should be noted that its excess, as well as its deficiency, is dangerous. During hunger, the body feeds on what it is built from. In this case, muscle proteins are converted into glucose. This can be extremely dangerous.
Physical properties of glucose
What is glucose? As mentioned earlier, it 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 the substance in human blood is approximately one tenth of a percent.
Chemical properties of glucose
What is glucose? This is a substance belonging 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, it is necessary to know how the glucose molecule is built. Since the six oxygen atoms are functional groups, the carbon atoms that form the skeleton of the molecule are connected directly to each other.
Glucose solution contains molecules with an open chain of atoms, as well as cyclic ones. 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 bodyalong with carbohydrates. After entering the intestines, they are broken 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 of the glucose is stored as a substance called glycogen. After the digestion of food and the cessation of the influx of glucose into the blood from the intestine, the process of reverse conversion of glycogen and fats into glucose begins. In this way, the human body maintains a continuous level of glucose in the blood. In general, the process of converting fats and proteins into glucose and vice versa takes quite a long time. But the same process with glucose and glycogen occurs much faster. It is for this reason that glycogen is the main storage carbohydrate.
Hormones-regulators
The process of converting glucose to glycogen and vice versa is regulated by hormones. Insulin reduces the concentration of glucose in a person's blood. Increase its hormones such as adrenaline, glucagon, cortisol. In the event that any violations occur in the passage of such reactions between glycogen and glucose, a person may experience a serious illness. One of them is diabetes.
How to measure blood glucose?
Blood glucose is the main test used to detect diabetes. In venous and capillary blood glucose levels are different. It can fluctuate due to hunger or satiety of a person. When measured on an empty stomach (at least eight hours after a meal) inin venous blood, the glucose content should be from 3.3 to 5.5 millimoles per liter, and in capillary blood a little more - from 4 to 6.1 millimoles per liter. A couple of hours after eating, 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, as well as conduct an additional examination.
High blood glucose
This condition is called hyperglycemia. It develops most often in diabetes mellitus. What can cause glucose levels to rise? The reason may be:
- diabetes mellitus;
- stress, strong emotional tension;
- myocardial infarction;
- diseases of the kidneys, pancreas and endocrine system;
- moderate exercise.
When stressful situations occur, blood glucose may rise. This is due to the fact that the human body, responding to such a situation, begins to secrete stress hormones. And they just increase the level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia varies in 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 areclinical manifestations of hypoglycemia? These can be: muscle weakness, heavy sweating, confusion, lack of coordination.
Blood glucose drops due to factors such as:
- malnutrition or starvation;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- strong physical activity;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- overdose of insulin.
A person with very severe hypoglycemia can go into 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 also dilute some medications before injecting them into a vein.
Glucose is a very necessary substance that plays an important role in the functioning of the human body.
Application
Glucose is very nutritious. Starch, which is contained in food, getting into 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 remedy.
Because it is sweet, it is also used in confectionery. Glucose is a sugar that 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 one product contains a mixture of them. An example is table sugar, in which these two substances are in equal amounts.
It is worth remembering that tooAbundant consumption of sweets harms the human body. After all, there are such diseases as obesity, caries, diabetes. Life is shortened because of this. Therefore, you need to monitor your diet well and consume all the necessary substances within the normal range. Then he alth will be all right.
