The Importance of Glucose and Dextrose

Sugar has gotten a bad rap. Sure, most of us could do with a little (or, let's be honest, a lot) less sugar. But critical thinking and other brain-intensive activities require sugar, like glucose. In fact, the brain Half the sugar It helps regulate the amount of glucose in your blood (also called blood sugar) to help your body function normally.

Glucose can come from food, or it can be produced in the body through a process called gluconeogenesis. “Glucose is the body's main source of fuel,” says diabetes educator Megan Asterino-McGeean, BSN, RN. “Glucose nourishes cells and gives the brain and muscles the energy they need.”

Dextrose, another similar sugar, also keeps your brain and body functioning well.

Asterino-McGean shares what you need to know about these two important sugars.

Glucose and dextrose are both monosaccharides with slightly different chemical compositions, “but there's not a huge difference between these sugars,” Asterino-McGehean points out, “which is why the two terms are often used interchangeably.”

Glucose is a simple sugar found in carbohydrate-containing foods and drinks. The body also produces glucose when it breaks down carbohydrates. “Mainly the liver, but also the brain and muscle cells, store unused glucose.” glycogen“When you need an energy boost or your blood sugar drops too low, your body will break down glycogen into glucose for fuel,” Asterino-McGehean says.

Glucose can combine with other simple sugars to form:

• Lactose (glucose and galactose).
• Maltose (two linked glucose molecules).
• Sucrose (sugar) and high fructose corn syrup (glucose and fructose).

Foods and drinks that contain carbohydrates provide glucose. These include:

• Includes bread, rice, pasta and whole grain products.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• A sweet drink like soda.
• Sweets such as candies, cookies, and desserts.

Blood sugar level is the amount of sugar in the blood. In order for the body to use sugar effectively, the pancreas Insulin Insulin works to transport glucose from the blood to cells. The amount of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar level, changes depending on how efficiently the body produces and uses insulin.

Some people have higher than normal blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia (High blood sugar) can be a sign of health problems, such as:

• Insulin resistance It occurs when muscle, fat, and liver cells cannot absorb or store glucose normally. The pancreas secretes more insulin, causing high insulin levels (Hyperinsulinemia).
• Prediabetes Blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing diabetes.
• Diabetes This occurs when the body cannot produce insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or use insulin appropriately (Type 2 diabetes“Glucose doesn't get into cells and stays in the bloodstream,” Asterino-McGehean explains, “which causes blood sugar levels to get too high.”

Your blood sugar may be too low. Hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia) includes:

• Excessive alcohol or sugar consumption (reactive hypoglycemia).
• Fasting, not eating enough, or skipping meals.
• Insulin medication.
• Excessive exercise.
• pregnancy.

The glycemic index measures how much and how quickly a carbohydrate raises blood sugar levels. “Typically, foods with a higher index have the potential to raise blood sugar at a faster rate,” says Asterino-McGehean. “The index reflects the complexity of carbohydrates, and they are not all created equal.”

Simple carbohydrate foods, like candy and soda, have a high glycemic index: your body quickly breaks them down into glucose, causing your blood sugar to spike.

However, it's important to remember that every body is different, which means that your blood sugar will respond differently to different sources of carbohydrates.

Whole grain products and vegetables are complex carbohydrates, which typically have a low glycemic index. “Complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to break down, so your blood sugar rises more slowly,” says Asterino-McGehean. “Your cells benefit from a steady source of energy.”

a Blood glucose testing This test measures the glucose in your blood. Most people have this test as part of their annual physical. People with diabetes may have blood tests more frequently. A1C testing.

“The A1C test shows your average blood sugar levels over a three-month period,” Asterino-McGeean says. “A higher number or percentage indicates higher blood sugar levels over the past three months.”

Diabetics Monitor blood sugar levels Daily Level. A Continuous glucose monitor A sensor is placed under the skin to measure your blood glucose level 24/7. Some people prefer to use a small needle called a lancet to draw blood from their finger. In a finger-prick test, the blood glucose meter measures the glucose level in a drop of blood.

There are many tools available to help manage diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Dextrose comes mainly from corn and wheat. Food manufacturers often add dextrose to:

• Allows food to be stored at room temperature.
• It promotes the fermentation of wine etc.
• Makes food sweeter.
• Avoid foods that are too spicy or salty.
• Toast (brown) baked goods.

Dextrose is found in the following foods:

• Canned food.
• cracker.
• Cured meat.
• Fruit jam.
• Pickles.
• Potato chips.
• sauce.
• Seasoning mix.

Dextrose is also found in:

• Bath products.
• Hair care products.
• compensate.
• Skin care products.

Dextrose is a high glycemic food that raises blood sugar levels, making it unhealthy for diabetics, but useful when extremely low blood sugar levels need to be raised quickly.

You might be surprised to know that dextrose also has medical uses. Medical professionals use dextrose to treat:

• dehydration: People who are severely dehydrated may be given intravenous fluids of glucose and saline (sterile salt water).
• Hypoglycemia: Foods and drinks that contain dextrose, such as canned fruit and fruit juice, can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels to spike. People with diabetes who are prone to hypoglycemia may take dextrose tablets to bring their blood sugar to healthy levels.
• malnutrition: People who experience malnutrition May receive Intravenous nutrition Contains dextrose.

Bodybuilders and strength trainers may use dextrose to help repair muscles and tissues. Dextrose tablets or supplements replenish the sugars the body burns during intense exercise. If you think dextrose tablets could help you, talk to your health care provider.

Glucose and dextrose, when consumed in moderation, have positive effects on the brain and body. Too much sugar of any kind can increase your risk of diabetes and the following health problems:

Many Americans Consume more than 300% That exceeds the recommended daily amount of added sugars. Too much sugar means too many calories. the study There is a strong link between eating sugary foods and weight gain, increasing the likelihood of having belly fat and obesity.

The body converts unused glucose and dextrose into fatty substances. LipidsThe liver contains cholesterol and TriglyceridesThe more sugar in your diet, the higher your triglyceride levels. Research findingsExcessive intake of fats inflammation and High cholesterolAll these factors increase your risk of heart disease.

Salt isn't the only additive that raises blood pressure. Excessive sugar intake also raises blood pressure. study Women aged 65 to 80 who reduced their sugar intake by two teaspoons reported a significant drop in blood pressure.

There are no guidelines for how much sugar you should consume each day. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines state: Limit added sugars such as glucose and dextrose to less than 10% of total calories. This means that someone on a 2,000 calorie diet should get no more than 200 calories from added sugars. This equates to about 12 teaspoons of sugar per day.

“Sugar isn't the enemy, but it can get you in a bit of trouble, especially if you have diabetes or other health issues,” Asterino-McGeorgian clarifies. “Pay attention to how much sugar you're consuming each day, and if you're consuming too much, taking steps to manage your sugar cravings can be extremely helpful.”