When we eat, our digestive system breaks down the food to create glucose which is the body’s primary source of energy. Glucose is the most common form of simple sugar found in living organisms. Once we consume glucose and it is absorbed into the blood, we typically refer to it as blood glucose or blood sugar.
Glucose is necessary to keep the body functioning properly and a sudden rise or decline in our blood sugar levels can produce unhealthy effects. Your body makes glucose from foods rich in carbohydrates like bread, fruits, and dairy products.
You can also get glucose on-demand from quick-release glucose supplements which are an effective treatment for hypoglycaemia – a condition characterised by a decline in blood sugar. People with diabetes must be especially careful about their glucose levels.
The science behind glucose
A healthy person’s glucose level typically ranges between 4 – 5.9mmol/L
The human body runs on glucose, a type of sugar found in many of the foods you consume. It is partly responsible for that spurt of energy you get during physical workouts and the more active you are, the more energy you burn.
A healthy person’s glucose level typically ranges between 4 – 5.9mmol/L before eating. If this level goes below 4mmol/L you should take immediate action to bring it back up to avoid the potentially harmful symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
Glucose Chewable and shots, quick-release glucose tablets and drinks are a rapidly acting supplement for people with diabetes, hypoglycaemia, and anyone at risk of low blood sugar.
Types of sugar/what are the differences?
There are 3 main forms of sugar we typically consume – glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Sugars are an important source of energy for the human body as well as an essential additive in many food preparation processes.
Glucose and dextrose are the same thing. The names “Glucose” and “Dextrose” are often used interchangeably. Formally known as Dextrose Monohydrate or D-Glucose, dextrose is the most common type of glucose.
Why is glucose important?
Glucose is a type of sugar you get from foods you eat, and your body uses it for energy. Think of the human body as an engine and glucose as the fuel it needs to run. Blood glucose or blood sugar is the amount of glucose travelling through your bloodstream to your cells at any given time.
The presence of glucose in the blood triggers the pancreas to release insulin which helps the cells to absorb it from the bloodstream. People with diabetes are unable to manage their body’s insulin and may need to take insulin shots to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Without glucose, the body does not have enough energy to function properly. A healthy blood glucose level typically ranges between 3.9 – 7.1 mmol/L. This figure changes at various times of the day depending on our eating habits and lifestyle.
You may experience the potentially harmful symptoms of low blood sugar if this level goes below 4.0 mmol/L. When this happens, you should take immediate action to bring it back up to prevent symptoms from worsening.
People with diabetes should check their blood sugar level with a glucometer if they begin feeling symptoms of hypoglycaemia. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible if you or someone around you experiences any of the signs below.
Glucose – The Body’s Primary Source of Energy
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How do We Process Glucose?
Our blood sugar levels rise and fall at different times of the day, depending on our physical activities and when we last ate. We get all the glucose our body needs from the food and drink we consume. A healthy person’s glucose level typically ranges between 4 – 7mmol/l before eating.
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Molecular Characteristics of Glucose
Glucose occurs naturally in two distinct types of molecular arrangements known as L-glucose and D-glucose isomers. D-glucose is found naturally in plants and vegetables, while L-glucose does not occur naturally in nature, but can be synthesised in the laboratory. D-glucose is often referred to as Dextrose, which are biochemically identical to the glucose are bodies need.
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Naturally Occurring Sugars
Dextrose is a form of glucose found in naturally occurring foods such as corn, fruits, and honey. Whilst dextrose, sucrose and fructose are all simple sugars, the impact each has on blood sugar levels varies can vary. Due to its molecular make up, dextrose scores 100 on the glycaemic index as it raises blood glucose levels very quickly. Comparatively, sucrose and fructose score 65 and 19 on the GI scale.
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Increasing Your Blood Sugar Level with Dextrose
Dextrose is identical to glucose (the names can be used interchangeably) and effective for managing low blood sugar. People with hypoglycaemia or diabetes can be given dextrose orally or intravenously to raise their blood sugar levels very quickly.
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Side Effects of Glucose
A side effect of glucose is its ability to increase blood sugar above acceptable levels – a condition known as hyperglycaemia. Excessive sugar intake can’t lead to an overdose but, can lead to several undesirable effects: tiredness, hyperactivity, difficulty in concentrating or hungry between meals. People with diabetes should be careful when taking glucose as they might not be able to process it as quickly.
Want to know more?
Athletes also find benefits from glucose tablets, using them to increase the available glucose in their bloodstream so that their bodies can create more energy.
