What is glucose? Definition, chemical and physical properties

What is glucose? All use it, but few will be able to give a definition. It is a substance that is necessary for the human body. The timely receipt of glucose depends on people's health.

Supply energy to the body can carbohydrates, proteins and fats. But glucose is a substance that takes the main place among those used for energy needs.

Definition

Glucose, also called dextrose, is a white or colorless powder that is odorless and has a sweet taste. Glucose is a substance that can be called universal fuel for the human body. After all, most of the energy needs are covered at its expense. It must be present in the blood constantly. But it should be noted that its excess, as well as the defect is dangerous. During the famine, the body eats what it is built of. In this case, the proteins are converted into glucose. This can be extremely dangerous.

Physical properties of glucose

What is glucose? As mentioned earlier, this is a colorless, sweet crystalline substance. It dissolves very well in water. Glucose occurs in almost all organs of plants: in flowers, roots, fruits and leaves. A very large amount of glucose is found in ripe berries and fruits, as well as grape juice. It is also present in animal organisms. The proportion of the substance in human blood is about one tenth of a percent.

Chemical properties of glucose

What is glucose? It is a substance belonging to polyhydric alcohols. Her formula is C6H12O6. If a glucose solution is added to the freshly precipitated copper hydroxide, a solution of bright blue will be obtained. In order to have a complete idea of the structure of the substance, it is necessary to know how the glucose molecule is constructed. Since six oxygen atoms enter the functional groups, the carbon atoms that form the skeleton of the molecule are connected directly to each other.

The glucose solution contains molecules with an open chain of atoms, as well as cyclic. What is glucose? It is a substance that has a dual chemical nature. It forms esters, is oxidized. A glucose cell can decay into two lactic acid cells and free energy. This process is called glycolysis. The glucose molecule exists in three isomeric forms. One of them is linear, and the other two are cyclic.

Glucose and food

In the human body, glucose comes along with carbohydrates. After entering the intestine, they are split into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. Some part of the substance is spent on the energy needs of the body, the other is stored in the form of fat stores. Some of the glucose is deposited in the form of a substance such as glycogen. After digesting food and stopping the inflow of glucose into the blood from the intestine, the process of reverse conversion of glycogen and fats into glucose begins. In this way, the human body maintains an uninterrupted glucose level in the blood. In general, the process of converting fats and proteins into glucose and vice versa takes quite a long time. But the same process with glucose and glycogen occurs much faster. It is for this reason that glycogen is the main reserve carbohydrate.

Hormone-regulators

The process of conversion of glucose into glycogen and vice versa regulate hormones. Insulin reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood of a person. Increase her hormones, such as adrenaline, glucagon, cortisol. In the event that any violations occur in the passage of such reactions between glycogen and glucose, a serious illness can occur in a person. One of them is diabetes mellitus.

How to measure glucose in the blood?

The measurement of glucose in blood is the main test that is carried out to detect diabetes mellitus. In the venous and capillary blood glucose levels are different. He can fluctuate due to hunger or satiety rights. When measured on an empty stomach (at least eight hours after ingestion) in venous blood, the glucose content should be between 3.3 and 5.5 millimoles per liter, and in capillary slightly from 4 to 6.1 millimoles per liter. A couple of hours after eating, the level of the substance should not be above 7.8 millimoles per liter. This applies to both venous and capillary blood. If within a week during measurements on an empty stomach the glucose level does not fall below 6.3 millimoles per liter, you should immediately consult an endocrinologist and also conduct an additional examination.

Excess of blood glucose level

This situation is called hyperglycemia. It develops more often with diabetes. Because of what can the glucose level rise? The reason can be:

• diabetes;
• Stress, a strong emotional tension;
• Myocardial infarction;
• Kidney disease, pancreas and endocrine system;
• Moderate physical activity.

In case of stressful situations, glucose in the blood can increase. This is due to the fact that the human body, responding to a similar situation, begins to release stress hormones. And they just raise the blood glucose level. Hyperglycemia has different degrees of severity: from mild to moderate to coma, when the glucose level exceeds 55.5 millimoles per liter.

Low amount of glucose in the blood

This phenomenon is called hypoglycemia. This is a condition where the concentration of the substance in the blood is less than 3.3 millimoles per liter. What are the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia? It can be: muscle weakness, intense sweating, confused consciousness, impaired coordination.

The level of glucose in the blood decreases because of such factors as:

• Malnutrition or starvation;
• Diseases of the liver and pancreas;
• Strong physical activity;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• An overdose of insulin.

With very severe hypoglycemia, a person may have a hypoglycemic coma.

Glucose and medicine

A solution of this substance is used in the treatment of a large number of diseases, with a shortage of glucose. Also they are bred some medications before they enter into a vein.

Glucose is a very necessary substance, which plays an important role in the work of the human body.

Application

Glucose is very nutritious. Starch, which is contained in food, getting into the digestive tract, turns into glucose. From there it spreads throughout the body. Since this substance is very easily absorbed by the body, and also gives it energy, glucose is used as a strengthening medication.

Since it is sweet, it is also used in confectionery. Glucose - sugar, which is a part of molasses, caramel, marmalade, gingerbread. In general, all simple carbohydrates, called sugars, are divided into two types: glucose, fructose. And most often in one product contains their mixture. An example is table sugar, in which two of these substances are in equal quantities.

It is worth remembering that too much sweet consumption damages the human body. After all, there are such diseases as obesity, caries, diabetes. Because of this, life is reduced. Therefore, you need to monitor your diet well and consume all the necessary substances within normal limits. Then with health everything will be in order.