What is Glucose?

A simple sugar called glucose serves as the body’s primary source of energy. It is created through the digestion of food’s carbohydrates and is kept as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is converted into glucose and released into the bloodstream when the body requires energy, where it is used by cells.

Glucose is essential for the proper functioning the body’s cells and organs, and it is necessary for the brain, which relies on glucose as its primary energy source.

Blood glucose levels in healthy individuals typically range from 70 to 99 mg/dL. (milligrams per deciliter). However, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. For example, in people with diabetes, blood glucose levels may be too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

There are several ways to measure blood glucose levels, including fingerstick blood tests and continuous glucose monitoring devices. It is essential to monitor blood glucose levels and manage them properly to maintain good health.

Our body requires glucose. We have a sophisticated system in place to make sure we don’t have too much or too little of it because either situation can result in a number of health problems. For example, if you consume too much, you may get obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, or blindness. If you consume too little, you can get confused, lethargic, or even go into a coma. But if we don’t make dietary and lifestyle decisions that support our bodies in maintaining constant glucose levels, this homeostatic mechanism could become overworked.