What Is Glucose For?
Glucose enables cells to perform all their functions, such as multiplying. However, when it accumulates in the blood, it can lead to the appearance of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Everyone has heard of glucose, albeit in a negative way as when it comes to diabetes. However, very few people know what this molecule is and what its role is in the body.
Glucose is one of the essential molecules for life, since it is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. That is, it is the nutrient that allows cells to obtain enough energy to perform all their functions.
It is a form of sugar that is found both freely (such as in fruit) and as part of other larger molecules, called polysaccharides . The best known polysaccharides are starch and glycogen, which are found in rice, meat, etc.
It is very important to know that it is involved in almost all the processes that are part of metabolism. In this article we explain what it is for and what problems are related to glucose.
What is there to know about it?
First of all, as we’ve already mentioned, glucose is a nutrient. We get it through food. Through the entire process of digestion, glucose is obtained that is used by all cells in the body.
When we eat any food, the nutrients it has (whether they are fatty acids, proteins or carbohydrates), pass into the blood and reach the liver. In this organ, a series of complex procedures are carried out that end up transforming these nutrients into glucose.
Glucose passes into the blood, through which it can reach all parts of the body. Cells use this molecule as fuel for energy. They do this through a series of reactions that are the basis of metabolism.
In this way, glucose allows cells to nourish themselves and fulfill all their functions. Thus, it participates in cell reproduction, tissue repair, muscle movement, nerve function, and so on.
What health problems are caused by glucose?
Although, as we have already mentioned, we cannot live without glucose, there are also diseases related to this substance. The most important and well-known is diabetes. It is a disease in which insulin is not produced or there is resistance to it.
Insulin is the substance that allows glucose to pass into cells. So to speak, it is the “key” to glucose. When the body is unable to make or use it, much of the glucose remains in the blood.
This makes the cells have less of this molecule. Also, it can lead to damage to many tissues in the body. The most affected are usually the blood vessels, the heart and the kidney.
Unfortunately, diabetes is a multifactorial disease that is increasing in incidence very fast today. This is so because many factors such as sedentary lifestyle and the type of diet that we eat influence.
In order to avoid all the risks that this pathology entails, it is very important to keep a strict control of blood glucose. In addition, we must be aware of life habits and try to modify them.
How is glucose measured?
Today there are many methods to control blood glucose levels. Normally, glucose is below 100 milligrams / deciliters when we are fasting. That is, when it is above these values, it may mean that there is a problem with its passage into the cells.
To measure it, a glucometer can be used. It is a device that, from a drop of blood, provides the result in a few seconds. All you need to do is make a small prick on a finger.
In addition, it can also be known through a blood test or by measuring in the urine the glucose that is expelled by the kidneys.
Better take care of yourself!
Glucose is an essential molecule for life. Both very high and very low blood levels can put your health at risk. Therefore, it is important to review it from time to time, and to do it continuously if we are at risk of being diabetic.
