Glucose Is An Essential Molecule For Life
We often hear about glucose, most often in a negative way when referring, for example, to diseases such as diabetes. However, not everyone knows the characteristics and functions of this molecule.
Glucose, in fact, is essential to life, being the main source of energy for the cells of our body, energy necessary to carry out all their functions. It is a sugar that is found both in free form (for example, in fruit), and bound to form larger molecules, the polysaccharides. Among the latter, the best known are starch and glycogen, present in rice, meat, etc.
It is important to remember that glucose is involved in almost all metabolic processes. In this article, we explain what it is for and what problems are related to this important molecule.
What is glucose used for?
First of all, glucose is a nutrient that is obtained from food, through digestion, as a result of which this molecule is ready to be used by cells.
When we eat any food, the nutrients contained (fatty acids, proteins or carbohydrates) pass through the blood to the liver. In the liver, a number of complex mechanisms end up turning nutrients into glucose.
Glucose passes into the blood and, through the bloodstream, reaches all parts of the body. The cells will use this molecule as a fuel to obtain energy. This happens through reactions that are the basis of our metabolism.
In this way, glucose nourishes the cells and enables all their functions. For example, it participates in cell multiplication, tissue repair, muscle movement, nervous functioning, etc.
What health problems are associated with glucose?
Although it is not possible to do without this substance, as already mentioned, there are also diseases associated with it. The best known is diabetes, but what exactly does it consist of? It is a pathology for which our body no longer produces insulin or there is a resistance to it.
Insulin is a substance that allows glucose to enter cells. We can imagine it as the “key” to glucose. When the body stops making or using it, much of the glucose remains in the blood. In this way, the cells have less nutrition and, at the same time, many tissues are damaged. The most affected are usually the blood vessels, the heart and the kidneys.
Diabetes is a multifactorial disease (with genetic, environmental and behavioral components), unfortunately on the rise. Many factors affect it, including a sedentary lifestyle and the type of diet we follow. To avoid the risks associated with this pathology, it is of great importance to undergo a periodic blood glucose check. It is also necessary to consciously change unhealthy lifestyle habits.
How is it measured?
There are several methods for controlling blood glucose. The normal values are below 100 mg / dl fasting. Once these values are exceeded, it is necessary to verify that there is no problem with the passage of glucose inside the cells.
For the measurement, you can use the glucometer, a device which, by analyzing a drop of blood, provides the result in a few seconds. To obtain the drop of blood, it is sufficient to pierce the finger with the appropriate pen equipped with a small needle. Alternatively, blood glucose levels can be checked with blood tests or by measuring the amount of glucose present in the urine, excreted by the kidneys.
In conclusion
Glucose is an essential molecule for life. High levels of this molecule, but also low ones, put our health at risk. For this reason, it is important to check your blood sugar from time to time, more often if you are at risk of developing diabetes.
