What is glucose?

Glucose is the primary source of energy for our body’s cells. It is a type of sugar that comes from the food we eat, especially foods that are rich in carbohydrates such as rice, bread, pasta, and fruits. When we eat these foods, our body breaks down the carbohydrates into glucose, which then enters our bloodstream.

Once in the bloodstream, glucose travels to different parts of our body and is taken up by our cells with the help of a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the door to our cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy.

However, if our body produces too little insulin, or if our cells become resistant to insulin, glucose cannot enter our cells and stays in our bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can eventually lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye damage.

On the other hand, if we have too little glucose in our bloodstream, our body’s cells won’t have enough energy to function properly. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and lightheadedness. In severe cases, low blood sugar levels can even lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Glucose is also important for our brain function. Our brains require a constant supply of glucose to function properly. If our blood glucose levels drop too low, we may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or confused.

Without glucose, our bodies would not be able to function properly and maintaining a healthy balance of blood sugar levels is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing.