Glucoseis the bodys main source of energy.
You get it mainly fromcarbohydratesthat you eat, like sugar andgrains.
It is carried through your blood to the cells in your body, which use it for fuel.
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The amount of glucose in your bloodstream is calledblood sugaror blood glucose.
Problems can occur if this process is disrupted.
Both high and low blood sugar can lead to serious health concerns.
This article explains how the body makes and uses glucose, as well as what factors impact glucose levels.
Yourintestinesthen absorb glucose and release it through the bloodstream to your cells.
Excess glucose is removed from your bloodstream, and converted to its storage form,glycogen.
This process is calledglycogenolysis.
What Is Glucose Used For?
Yourpancreas, an organ in your abdomen, helpsmonitor your blood glucose levels.
Once glucose moves to these cells, your blood sugar levels return to a normal level between meals.
During the process where insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream to cells, your blood sugar levels drop.
The pancreas can tell when this is taking place and slows down insulin production.
This, in turn, slows down the amount of glucose entering your cells.
One of the most important roles glucose plays is providing the main source of energy for yourbrain.
What Can Influence Glucose Levels?
This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
Risks of High Glucose
There are two types of diabetes:pop in 1andtype 2.
In bang out 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin.
In throw in 2 diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin or use it properly.
pop in 2 is the most common form of diabetes.
Diabetes can cause hyperglycemia.
This generates ketones, which at high levels can make your blood acidic.
This condition is more common in punch in 1 diabetes.
DKA is a medical emergency.
Some symptoms of DKA include extremelydry mouth,nausea and vomiting,shortness of breath, and fruity breath.
Below 54 mg/dL is considered severe low blood sugar.
Some individuals may experience low blood sugar while asleep.
This may happen if you drink alcohol, take too muchinsulin, or have had a very active day.
It can also lead toseizuresor possibly aloss of consciousness.
Summary
Glucose is essential to helping our bodies function properly because its our cells main energy source.
When the level of glucose in our blood is too high or low, various health problems can occur.
Together, you’re free to determine the best ways to keep your levels in check.
Speak with your healthcare provider about strategies that will work best for you.
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