Glucose was first discovered in 1747 and was named nearly a century later in 1838. The term derives from a Greek word meaning sugar. Glucose found within the body is sometimes referred to as "blood sugar," though this misnomer is not entirely correct, since other sugars are also always present in the bloodstream, according to "The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition."
Identification
Glucose is a monosaccharide sugar, one of the simplest types of sugar. It is composed of six carbon, 12 hydrogen and six oxygen atoms. Glucose is used by plants, animals and humans and is manufactured within the body by the liver after eating. Carbohydrates are broken down in the stomach, which are then moved to the liver for manufacture, a process outlined in "Life: The Science of Biology." Glucose is then carried by the bloodstream to every cell in the body.
Significance
Glucose is used by the body as a form of energy. This energy is used for everything from performing a physical action to remembering a certain event. Glucose is the only type of energy brain cells utilize, according to "Life: The Science of Biology." Without glucose, the body would be unable to function. A number of chemicals within the body regulate glucose, ensuring that there is a constant level present throughout the body at any given time. An imbalance of these chemicals can cause high or low levels of glucose within the body, leading to problems.
Hypoglycemia
People who cannot produce an adequate amount of glucose to distribute through their bloodstream are said to be hypoglycemic. Mild hypoglycemia manifests as a dizzy, agitated and high-energy state causing the person to seek out food due to an abundance of adrenaline, according to "Hypoglycemia: The Classic Healthcare Handbook." After a mild hypoglycemic episode, you might feel tired or ill. Moderate hypoglycemia manifests when the brain doesn't function due to a lack of glucose. A person experiencing moderate hypoglycemia needs sugar, but may require the assistance of another person to get it. Severe hypoglycemia presents itself as a loss of consciousness, coma, seizures or even death.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes
People who produce too much blood sugar are hyperglycemic. Hyperglycemia doesn't usually manifest with obvious symptoms, according to "Knack First Aid: A Complete Illustrated Guide." If left untreated for an extended period of time, hyperglycemia can develop into diabetes, as noted in The American Diabetes's Association's "Diabetes A to Z." Glucose levels are regulated by insulin, which is made by the pancreas. If the pancreas doesn't provide the body with enough insulin, glucose levels soar, whereas a normal pancreatic response would release insulin and tell the body to store excess glucose for later use.
Considerations
Blood glucose is altered by certain medical conditions, medications and food or beverages. For example, alcoholic beverages can cause a spike in glucose levels and a sharp drop as the body processes the alcohol. Trauma can elevate blood glucose levels, while medications can raise or lower glucose levels. If you suspect your body isn't producing or using glucose, speak to a doctor. There are a number of tests that can measure the level of glucose in your body, as well as how it is being regulated and used.
References
- "The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition"; Audrey H. Ensminger; 1995
- "Life: The Science of Biology"; David Sadava, H. Craig Heller, David M. Hillis; 2009
- "Hypoglycemia: The Classic Healthcare Handbook"; Jeraldine Saunders, Harvey M. Ross; 2002
- "Knack First Aid: A Complete Illustrated Guide"; Buck Tilton, Stephen Gorman, Eli Burakian; 2010
- "Diabetes A to Z"; The American Diabetic Association; 2010
