Glucose is a monosaccharide, or simple sugar, that is usually a part of more complex carbohydrates. The body uses glucose as an important source of energy. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the main source of dietary glucose is from breaking down carbohydrates such as those in grains, dairy products and fruit. Glucose has a variety of uses both in the food industry and for different individuals.
Hypoglycemia
Glucose can treat hypoglycemica. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse---NDIC---hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood glucose levels that are below 70 milligram per deciliter. It can cause weakness, dizziness, anxiety, and confusion, and severe hypoglycemia can be fatal. People with diabetes are at highest risk for hypoglycemia. The NDIC recommends that a person with hypoglycemia should consume glucose. This can be in the form of three to four glucose tablets, four ounces of juice, a non-diet soft drink or a serving of glucose gel. Consuming glucose can help to raise blood glucose levels as quickly as possible because your body absorbs and uses it so easily.
Help for Athletes
Athletes can use glucose to improve their training and performance. Endurance athletes compete in long competitions and may need to replace their electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, during their events. The body can absorb the electrolytes better from fluids that have glucose compared to fluids that do not supply glucose. After a workout or competition, the athlete should replace stores of glycogen, the carbohydrates in muscle, as quickly as possible. To do this, they can consume a source of carbohydrates, and their bodies can absorb high glucose carbohydrates fastest to maximize glycogen stores. In addition to endurance athletes, power athletes like weight lifters can also benefit from glucose. Taking a glucose solution before lifting weights may improve recovery and permit more intense training.
Ingredient
Glucose is an ingredient in many foods such as sweets, condiments, and a variety of beverages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, glucose is a simple carbohydrate that provides four calories per gram. Adding glucose to foods and beverages can be an effective way to gain weight because glucose mixes in well with many other ingredients. It is sweet, and manufacturers take advantage of this property to use it as a food additive or addition to children's dietary supplements to make them palatable.
