What is glucose? Everyone uses it, but few can define it. This is a substance that the human body needs. The health of people depends on the timely intake of glucose.
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats can supply energy to the body. But glucose is a substance that occupies the main place among those that are 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 a universal fuel for the human body. After all, most of the needs for energy are covered precisely at its expense. It must be constantly present in the blood. But it should be noted that its excess, as well as its deficiency, is dangerous. During hunger, the body feeds on what it is built of. In this case, muscle proteins are converted into glucose. This can be extremely dangerous.
Physical properties of glucose
What is glucose? As stated earlier, it is a colorless, sweet crystalline substance. It dissolves very well in water. Glucose is found in almost all plant organs: in flowers, roots, fruits and leaves. A very large amount of glucose is found in ripe berries and fruits, as well as in grape juice. It is also present in animal organisms. The proportion of the substance in human blood is approximately one tenth of a percent.
Chemical properties of glucose
What is glucose? This is a substance belonging to its formula - C6H12O6. If a glucose solution is added to the freshly precipitated solution, a bright blue solution will be obtained. In order to have a complete understanding of the structure of a substance, you need to know how the glucose molecule is built. Since six oxygen atoms are in functional groups, the carbon atoms that form the skeleton of the molecule are linked directly to each other.
Contains molecules with an open chain of atoms, as well as cyclic ones. What is glucose? It is a substance that has a dual chemical nature. It forms esters and is oxidized. The glucose cell can break down 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
Glucose enters the human body along with carbohydrates. After entering the intestines, they are broken down, turning into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. Some part of the substance is spent on the energy needs of the body, the other is deposited in the form of fat reserves. Some of the glucose is deposited as a substance such as glycogen. After the digestion of food and the cessation of the flow of glucose into the blood from the intestines, the process of reverse conversion of glycogen and fats into glucose begins. In this way, the human body maintains a continuous blood glucose level. 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 storage carbohydrate.
Regulatory hormones
The conversion of glucose into glycogen and vice versa is regulated by hormones. Insulin reduces the concentration of glucose in a person's blood. It is increased by hormones such as adrenaline, glucagon, cortisol. If any disturbances occur in the passage of such reactions between glycogen and glucose, a person may develop a serious illness. One of them is diabetes mellitus.
How to measure blood glucose?
Blood glucose measurement is the main test used to detect diabetes mellitus. In venous and capillary blood, glucose levels are different. He may hesitate due to hunger or satiety of a person. When measured on an empty stomach (at least eight hours after a meal), the venous blood glucose content should be from 3.3 to 5.5 millimoles per liter, and in the capillary blood a little more - from 4 to 6.1 millimoles per liter. A couple of hours after a meal, the level of the substance should not be higher than 7.8 millimoles per liter. This applies to both venous and capillary blood. If within a week, when measuring on an empty stomach, the glucose level does not fall below 6.3 millimoles per liter, you should immediately consult an endocrinologist, and also carry out an additional examination.
Excess blood glucose
This is called hyperglycemia. It develops most often with diabetes mellitus. What can cause an increase in glucose levels? The reason may be:
- diabetes;
- stress, strong emotional stress;
- myocardial infarction;
- diseases of the kidneys, pancreas and endocrine system;
- moderate physical activity.
When stressful situations arise, blood glucose can rise. This is due to the fact that the human body, responding to such a situation, begins to release stress hormones. And they just increase. Hyperglycemia has different degrees of severity: from mild to moderate to coma, when the glucose level exceeds 55.5 millimoles per liter.
Low blood glucose
This phenomenon is called hypoglycemia. This is a condition when the concentration of a substance in the blood is less than 3.3 millimoles per liter. What are the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia? These can be: muscle weakness, severe sweating, confusion, lack of coordination.
Reduced blood glucose levels due to factors such as:
- malnutrition or starvation;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- strong physical activity;
- endocrine system diseases;
- insulin overdose.
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 lack of glucose. They are also diluted with certain medications before they are injected into a vein.
Glucose is a very essential substance that plays an important role in the functioning of the human body.
Application
Glucose is highly nutritious. The starch contained in food, entering 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, as a strengthening remedy.
Since it is sweet, it is also used in confectionery. Glucose is a sugar found in molasses, caramel, marmalade, gingerbread. In general, all of which are called sugars are divided into two types: glucose, fructose. And most often, one product contains a mixture of them. An example is table sugar in which the two are in equal amounts.
It is worth remembering that too much consumption of sweets harms the human body. After all, there are diseases such as obesity, caries, diabetes. Because of this, life is shortened. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your diet and consume all the necessary substances within the normal range. Then everything will be all right with health.
Glucose enters the body along with food, then it is absorbed by the digestive system and enters the bloodstream, which, in turn, carries it to all organs and tissues. This is the main source of energy for the human body, it can be with gasoline, which runs most cars, or electricity, which is necessary for the functioning of technology. In order to penetrate into cells, it, being in the circulatory system, is placed in a membrane of insulin.
Insulin is a special hormone produced by the pancreas. Without it, glucose will not be able to get into the cells, but will not be assimilated. If a problem begins with the production of insulin, then the person develops diabetes mellitus. He needs constant. The blood of a diabetic patient will be oversaturated until the body receives the missing hormone from the outside. An insulin capsule is necessary for the absorption of glucose by muscle and adipose tissues, the liver, but some organs are able to receive glucose without it. These are the heart, kidneys, liver, lens, nervous system, including the brain.
In the digestive system, glucose is absorbed very quickly. This substance is a monomer that makes up important polysaccharides such as glycogen, cellulose and starch. In glucose is oxidized, due to the release of energy, which is spent on all sorts of physiological processes.
If an excess amount of glucose enters the body, then it is quickly utilized, turning into energy reserves. On its basis, glycogen is formed, which is then deposited in various places and tissues of the body, as a reserve source of energy. If there is already enough glycogen in the cell depot, then glucose begins to turn into fat and be deposited in the body.
Glycogen is vital for muscles. It is he who, when decaying, gives the energy necessary for the work and restoration of cells. In the muscles, it is constantly consumed, but the reserves are not reduced. This is due to the fact that new portions of glycogen are constantly coming from the liver so that its level always remains constant.
Fasting blood glucose levels of 3.5 to 6.1 mmol / liter are considered normal. High blood sugar is hyperglycemia. The reasons for this condition can be various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunctions. This is usually diagnosed by analyzing urine, through which the body will excrete sugar. Short-term hyperglycemia can be caused by various phenomena, such as overexertion, eating a lot of sweets, and others.
Too low blood glucose concentration hypoglycemia. Short-term hypoglycemia occurs when a person eats a lot of quickly digestible carbohydrates, then the sugar level first rises sharply and then drops sharply. Persistent hypoglycemia appears due to metabolic disorders, liver or kidney diseases, as well as a lack of carbohydrates in the diet. Symptoms - trembling in the limbs, dizziness, hunger, pallor, fear.
The correct diagnosis can only be made by a qualified specialist based on the collected anamnesis and the tests performed. For the correct interpretation of the "sugar in urine" result, it is necessary to know the processes in which certain changes occur in the body, leading to a deviation in determining this indicator in biological material.
The concept of "sugar in urine"
In a normal healthy body, there is a renal threshold for glucose, that is, a certain amount of blood sugar is fully reabsorbed by the kidneys. In view of this, sugar in urine is not detected by qualitative methods. The established threshold decreases slightly with age. With an increase in blood glucose, the renal tubules are unable to absorb this amount of sugar from urine into the bloodstream. The consequence of this process is the appearance of sugar in the urine - glucosuria. The presence of sugar in urine is a dangerous indicator in which it is necessary to identify the cause of its appearance.Physiological glucosuria
Physiological glucosuria is noted with a single detection of sugar in the urine. Depending on the reasons that caused the change in this indicator, there are several forms of glucosuria: alimentary, emotional, physical. An alimentary increase in sugar in urine is associated with the consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates: chocolate, sweets, sweet fruits. Emotional glucosuria arises from the experience of stress, overexcitement. The appearance of glucose in the urine can be triggered by excessive physical exertion that takes place on the eve of the test. The appearance of a small amount of sugar in the urine is acceptable.Pathological glucosuria
The development of pathological glucosuria is associated with the presence of changes in the body that affect the reabsorption function of the kidneys. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of this pathology. In this case, with a sufficiently low blood sugar level, it is determined in urine in large quantities. This happens more often with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Acute pancreatitis can cause sugar in the urine to be detected. A brain tumor, meningitis, traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic stroke, or encephalitis can lead to glucosuria.Diseases that are accompanied by fever may be accompanied by febrile glucosuria. An increase in the level of adrenaline, glucocorticoid hormones, thyroxine or somatotropin can lead to the development of endocrine glucosuria. In case of poisoning with morphine, strychnine, chloroform and phosphorus, it is possible to determine toxic glucosuria. Due to a decrease in the threshold of the kidneys, renal glucosuria develops.
Preparation for analysis
On the eve of passing urine for a sugar test, you should adhere to a diet that excludes the use of sugary foods and fruits, beverages containing a large amount of carbohydrates. It is recommended to reduce the level of physical activity. If you detect any amount of sugar in your urine, you should immediately seek the advice of a doctor.Related Videos
Ascorbic acid is extremely necessary for the body for the normal functioning of all organs and systems. It improves immunity, lowers blood sugar levels, prevents the development of heart disease, etc.
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is not produced by the human body on its own, unlike the body of animals. That is why doctors of all countries recommend eating more fruits and vegetables - the main suppliers of this vitamin, or replenishing its deficiency with the help of medicinal complexes. Lack of vitamin C can lead to sad consequences, but for what?
The role of vitamin C in the human body
On average, the human body needs about 80 mg of ascorbic acid per day, while the daily requirement for other vitamins is significantly lower. Why? Because vitamin C normalizes the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, increases immune protection, stimulates the formation of antibodies, red blood cells and, to a lesser extent, white ones. In addition, it lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood and increases the storage of glycogen in the liver, normalizes the amount of cholesterol in the blood and serves as a cancer prevention.
Ascorbic acid is involved in more than 300 biological processes in the body. Among them, the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms connective tissue, which "cements" the intercellular space, can be distinguished. Collagen is involved in the formation of tissues, bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, teeth, etc. It protects the body from diseases and infections and accelerates wound healing.
In terms of immunity, vitamin C is responsible for the production of antibodies and the work of white blood cells. Without it, the formation of interferon, a substance that fights viruses and cancer, is impossible. Ascorbic acid is a powerful natural water-soluble antioxidant that protects against the damaging effects of oxidants. It eliminates potentially harmful reactions in water-saturated parts of the body and protects "good" cholesterol from free radicals, preventing the development of heart and vascular diseases, early aging and the development of malignant tumors.
What else lies in the area of responsibility of vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is an important component of adrenal hormone synthesis. Under stress, the adrenal glands begin to lack this vitamin. In addition, it takes part in the production of cholesterol and its conversion to bile. Ascorbic acid is essential for the normal functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. It converts tryptophan to serotonin, tyrosine to dopamine and adrenaline.
Lack of vitamin C can adversely affect the functioning of all organs and systems of the body, causing muscle pain, weakness, lethargy, apathy, hypotension, disruption of the digestive tract, dry skin, heart pain, tooth loss, etc.
The main message of most strict diets is "stop passing on and you will be happy"! Try to understand the mechanisms of your body and lose weight wisely!
Why are we getting fat?
The answer lies on the surface - day after day we create all the most necessary conditions for this. What does our average working day look like? A cup of coffee with a couple of sandwiches, 1.5 hours of traffic jams to the office, 8 hours of sitting and a computer, then again 1.5 hours of traffic jams. Snacks during the day and a rich high-calorie dinner at night. On weekends - felting until noon and again a "holiday" of the belly. Rest after all ... Okay, maybe not quite so, and a couple of times a week we work hard for an hour or two in the gym. But this is a drop in the ocean.
What are the types of fat?
1. Subcutaneous... This is a surface fat that lies under the skin tissue. This is exactly the type of fat that is visible and that you can touch and feel. First of all, the human body begins to accumulate fat in the most problematic areas. In men, this is the abdominal region and chest, in women - the thighs, buttocks and sides. As these zones fill up, fat begins to master new territories.
2. Visceral... This is a deep fat that is located around the internal organs of a person (liver, lungs, heart). Visceral fat is necessary to the extent that it provides amortization of internal organs. But when subcutaneous fat has mastered all possible zones and the stages of obesity have come, it begins to replenish the reserves of visceral fat. Excess visceral fat is very dangerous as it can lead to serious health problems (diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems).
Why can't you just stop eating?
The Internet is overflowing with the offer of various miracle diets that promise to get rid of those extra pounds in a matter of months. Their principle is usually to severely limit the amount of calories consumed. But try to understand the body's response mechanism - the kilograms really go away, but the fat will remain unharmed. All this is due to the presence of such a hormone as stucco. Its content correlates with the fat content - the more fat, the more molding. So, the process is as follows:
- The number of calories consumed is sharply reduced, the level of glucose and insulin production decreases, and fat is mobilized. OK!
- There is little glucose, which means that the level of stucco molding falls. The brain receives a signal of hunger.
- In response to the hunger signal, the body turns on a defense mechanism - the cessation of muscle tissue synthesis and slowing down the burning of fat.
- At the same time, the level of cortisol (stress hormone) rises, which further enhances the defense mechanism.
As you can see, weight loss occurs, but not due to fat loss, but due to a decrease in muscle mass. At the end of the diet, the body begins to strenuously store calories, putting them in fat (in case of a repetition of the situation). The difference between light and dark stripes near the tail is pronounced, and "Volga" is considered ripe if its skin becomes light.
2. Caution!
If you think that it is too early to buy Russian watermelons in early August, then you are right. Most varieties reach ripeness by mid or even late August. Anything sold earlier is likely either not mature enough or has been generously fertilized to accelerate growth.
The main signs of determining that a watermelon is "stuffed" with nitrates:
- Such a watermelon cannot be stored for a long time. Round spots of a darker shade appear on the skin.
- When you cut it open, you will see bright red flesh and white seeds, and the fibers will be yellow in color.
- In the pulp, there can be compacted lumps up to 2 cm in size and yellowish - they concentrate harmful substances.
- The pulp of a healthy watermelon, if pounded in a glass of water, will make the water only slightly cloudy, but if this watermelon, the water will turn pink or red.
3. How dangerous are nitrates?
According to doctors, no one has ever died from nitrate poisoning, but you can get in trouble. If you eat one or two slices of nitrate watermelon, then you will have nothing. If you get carried away and eat the whole watermelon, you can get liver problems, intestinal or nervous system upset. If after a nice meal you feel unwell, then immediately call an ambulance.
By the way, invisible nitrates are not as terrible as bacteria that settle on the surface during transportation and storage. Therefore, before cutting, be sure to thoroughly wash the fruit, for greater effect, you can even scald it, it will not harm the watermelon.
The pulp of a ripe watermelon is dominated by easily digestible glucose and fructose, sucrose accumulates if the fruit is stored for a long time. Watermelons can be eaten with diabetes mellitus, since the fructose contained in it does not cause insulin stress.
Glucose in translation from Greek means "sweet". In nature, it is found in large quantities in juices of berries and fruits, including grape juice, which is why it is popularly called "wine sugar".
Discovery history
Glucose was discovered in the early 19th century by the English physician, chemist and philosopher William Prout. This substance became widely known after Henri Braccono extracted it from sawdust in 1819.
Physical properties
Glucose is a colorless crystalline powder with a sweet taste. It is readily soluble in water, concentrated sulfuric acid, and Schweitzer's reagent.
Molecule structure
Like all monosaccharides, glucose is a heterofunctional compound (the molecule contains several hydroxyl and one carboxyl groups). In the case of glucose, the carboxyl group is aldehyde.
The general formula for glucose is C6H12O6. The molecules of this substance have a cyclic structure and two spatial isomers of the alpha and beta forms. In the solid state, the alpha form predominates almost 100%. In solution, the beta form is more stable (it occupies about 60%). Glucose is the final product of the hydrolysis of all poly- and disaccharides, that is, glucose is obtained in the overwhelming majority of cases in this way.
Getting the substance
In nature, glucose is produced in plants as a result of photosynthesis. Consider industrial and laboratory methods for producing glucose. In the laboratory, this substance is the result of aldol condensation. In industry, the most common way is to obtain glucose from starch.
Starch is a polysaccharide, the monoparticles of which are glucose molecules. That is, to obtain it, it is necessary to decompose the polysaccharide into monoparticles. How is this process carried out?
Getting glucose from starch begins with the fact that the starch is placed in a container with water and stirred (starch milk). Bring another container of water to a boil. It is worth noting that boiling water should be twice as much as starch milk. In order for the reaction of obtaining glucose to go to the end, a catalyst is needed. In this case, it is saline or the calculated amount is added to a container with boiling water. Then starch milk is slowly poured. In this process, it is very important not to get a paste, if it has formed, you should continue boiling until it disappears completely. On average, boiling takes an hour and a half. In order to be sure that the starch is completely hydrolyzed, a qualitative reaction must be carried out. Iodine is added to the taken sample. If the liquid acquires a blue color, it means that the hydrolysis is not complete, but if it becomes brown or red-brown, then there is no more starch in the solution. But this solution contains not only glucose, it was obtained with the help of a catalyst, which means that there is also an acid. How to remove acid? The answer is simple: by neutralizing with clean chalk and finely crushed china.
Neutralization is checked Next, the resulting solution is filtered. The matter is small: the resulting colorless liquid should be evaporated. The crystals formed are our final result. Now let's look at the production of glucose from starch (reaction).
The chemical essence of the process
This equation for producing glucose is presented before the intermediate product, maltose. Maltose is a disaccharide made up of two glucose molecules. It is clearly seen that the methods for producing glucose from starch and from maltose are the same. That is, in the continuation of the reaction, we can put the following equation.
In conclusion, it is worth summarizing the necessary conditions for the production of glucose from starch to be successful.
The necessary conditions
- catalyst (hydrochloric or sulfuric acid);
- temperature (at least 100 degrees);
- pressure (atmospheric enough, but increasing pressure speeds up the process).
This method is the simplest, with a high yield of the final product and minimal energy costs. But he's not the only one. Glucose is also obtained from cellulose.
Getting from cellulose
The essence of the process is almost completely consistent with the previous reaction.
The preparation of glucose (formula) from cellulose is presented. In fact, this process is much more complicated and energy consuming. So, the product that reacts is waste from the wood processing industry, crushed to a fraction, the particle size of which is 1.1 - 1.6 mm. This product is processed first with acetic acid, then with hydrogen peroxide, then with sulfuric acid at a temperature not lower than 110 degrees and hydromodule 5. The duration of this process is 3-5 hours. Then, for two hours, hydrolysis with sulfuric acid takes place at room temperature and hydrolysis ratio 4-5. It is then diluted with water and inverted for about an hour and a half.
Quantitative determination methods
Having considered all the ways to obtain glucose, you should study the methods for its quantitative determination. There are situations when only a solution containing glucose should be involved in the technological process, that is, the process of evaporating a liquid to obtain crystals is unnecessary. Then the question arises of how to determine what is the concentration of a given substance in a solution. The resulting amount of glucose in solution is determined by spectrophotometric, polarimetric and chromatographic methods. There is also a more specific method of determination - enzymatic (using the enzyme glucosidase). In this case, the products of this enzyme are already counted.
Application of glucose
In medicine, glucose is used for intoxication (this can be both food poisoning and the activity of an infection). In this case, the glucose solution is administered intravenously using a dropper. This means that glucose is a universal antioxidant in pharmacy. This substance also plays an important role in the detection and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Here glucose acts as a stress test.
In the food industry and cooking, glucose is very important. Separately, the role of glucose in winemaking, beer and home brewing should be noted. We are talking about such a method as obtaining ethanol. Let's consider this process in detail.
Getting alcohol
The alcohol production technology has two stages: fermentation and distillation. Fermentation, in turn, is carried out with the help of bacteria. In biotechnology, cultures of microorganisms have long been developed, which make it possible to obtain the maximum yield of alcohol with a minimum of time spent. In everyday life, ordinary table yeast can be used as reaction aids.
First of all, glucose is diluted in water. The microorganisms used are diluted in another container. Next, the resulting liquids are mixed, shaken and placed in a container with this tube connected to another (U-shaped). The end of the tube is poured into the middle of the second tube. The end of the tube is closed with a rubber stopper with a hollow glass rod having a drawn end.
This container is placed in a thermostat at a temperature of 25-27 degrees for four days. Turbidity will be observed in the tube with lime water, which indicates that carbon dioxide has reacted with it. As soon as carbon dioxide ceases to be released, fermentation can be considered complete. This is followed by a distillation stage. In the laboratory, for the distillation of alcohol, reverse refrigerators are used - devices in which cold water passes along the outer wall, thereby cooling the formed gas and converting it back into liquid.
At this stage, the liquid in our container should be heated to 85-90 degrees. Thus, the alcohol will evaporate, but the water will not be brought to a boil.
Alcohol production mechanism
Consider the production of alcohol from glucose in the reaction equation: С6Н12О6 = 2С2Н5ОН + 2СО2.
So, it can be noted that the mechanism for producing ethanol from glucose is very simple. Moreover, it has been known to mankind for many centuries, and has been brought almost to perfection.
The importance of glucose in human life
So, having a certain idea of a given substance, its physical and chemical properties, use in various industries, we can conclude what glucose is. Getting it from polysaccharides already gives an understanding that, being the main component of all sugars, glucose is an irreplaceable source of energy for humans. As a result of metabolism, adenosine triphosphoric acid is formed from this substance, which is converted into a unit of energy.
But not all glucose that enters the human body is used to replenish energy. In the waking state, a person converts only 50 percent of the glucose received into ATP. The rest is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver. Glycogen breaks down over time, thereby regulating blood sugar levels. Quantitatively, the content of this substance in the body is a direct indicator of its health. The hormonal functioning of all systems depends on the amount of sugar in the blood. Therefore, it is worth remembering that excessive use of this substance can lead to serious consequences.
At first glance, glucose is a simple and understandable substance. Even from the point of view of chemistry, its molecules have a fairly simple structure, and the chemical properties are clear and familiar in everyday life. But, despite this, glucose is of great importance both for the person himself and for all spheres of his life.
We live off the energy of our body, which provides all the necessary life processes. Only thanks to her we have the opportunity to breathe, laugh, enjoy every new day and happy moments of our life. Without energy, the work of electrical engineering, computers, and objects of our everyday life is impossible, and most importantly, without this component a living organism cannot exist.
The source of this very energy, its supplier in our body is a compound called glucose - a representative of monosaccharides. The structure, properties and application of the substance will be discussed in our article.
What is glucose?
Glucose is also called "grape sugar", since its greatest amount is found in grape juice. Also, a fairly high content in all ripe fruits and berries, in addition, glucose is included in the composition of sugar and honey.
"Grape sugar" is a colorless crystalline compound in the form of a powder, readily soluble in water and has a sweet taste. The melting point ranges from 146 degrees. This compound belongs to the group of polyhydric alcohols and monosaccharides, that is, those groups of substances that, upon hydrolysis (dissolution in water), do not decompose into simpler constituent molecules.
The use of glucose is very extensive.
Glucose is formed in the process of photosynthesis in the green parts of plants, and from it, in turn, glycogen is synthesized, which, when interacting with creatine phosphate, is transformed into adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP), which is the main supplier of energy.
The benefits of "grape sugar" for the body
Consider the chemical properties of glucose, its application in various fields.
Since it is a monosaccharide, immediately after eating glucose, it is quickly absorbed in the intestines, after which processes are carried out aimed at its oxidation, to release free energy that is so necessary for our body. In addition, it is very nutritious and is the main source of energy for the adequate functioning of the brain. In fact, the energy that is generated during the oxidation process is about one third of the total energy of a living organism.
Glucose: properties and uses
However, as with everything, balance is also needed here. Everything is good in moderation: so, with a lack of energy, we become lethargic, lose concentration, our attention decreases. Conversely, with an increase in its level, the synthesis of the main hormone-antagonist of glucose - the pancreatic hormone insulin - increases, which, accordingly, leads to a decrease in the level of sugar concentration in the blood. When these interactions are violated, an endogenous disease such as diabetes mellitus develops.
As a small compound, natural sugar is involved in the formation of more complex compounds such as, for example, starch and glycogen. It is these polysaccharides that form the basis for cartilage tissue, ligaments and hair.
How does it accumulate?
Our body is rather thrifty, so it "saves" glycogen (the main carbohydrate reserve) for unforeseen situations (for example, heavy physical exertion). Glucose accumulates in muscle tissue, in blood (with a concentration equal to 0.1-0.12% of total sugar) and in individual cells. Now it becomes quite obvious that sugar levels rise after meals and decrease during exercise and fasting. This leads to the development of such a pathological condition as hypoglycemia, with the development and increase in the degree of excitability, anxiety, accompanied by muscle tremors and fainting.
The use of glucose in sports
It is used as a means to increase the level of endurance, provides the highest level of performance of athletes and athletes, since its calorie content is almost two times lower than that of fatty foods. But at the same time, it is oxidized much faster, thereby ensuring a fairly rapid flow of "fast carbohydrate" into the blood, which is so necessary after exhausting training or competition. To achieve these goals, glucose is used in the form of tablets, infusion and injection solutions, or isotonic solution (dissolved in water).
The indications for the use of glucose will vary.
Glucose is very important for bodybuilders, since with its lack, not only is there a decline in strength, the deterioration of cellular and, as a result, tissue metabolism, but also the possibility of gaining body weight is significantly reduced. Why it happens?
After all, an athlete in this situation deliberately consumes a huge amount of sugar, so why then do we observe weight loss? The paradox is that at this same time, bodybuilders are training a lot. In addition, huge doses of glucose significantly increase cholesterol levels, and also contribute to the development of endocrine pathologies such as diabetes mellitus. Glucose is deposited in the form of fatty compounds, which, in fact, the athlete fights against.
The structure, properties, use of glucose have been studied for a long time.
Usage rules
There are rules for the use of this sugar: before starting a workout, you should not get carried away with sugary drinks, as this threatens to faint as a result of a sharp drop in glucose concentration due to the production of insulin. The most optimal intake of glucose immediately after the end of classes, during the so-called carbohydrate window. To prepare the aforementioned isotonic drink, you need to take 14 glucose tablets, each weighing 0.5 grams, and a liter of plain purified boiled water. Next, you need to dilute the sugar in the liquid and take it every 15-20 minutes for an hour.
Industrial applications
- Food industry: as a substitute for sucrose, as a raw material for the production of dietary products.
- Confectionery industry: part of sweets, chocolate, cakes; production of molasses necessary for the preparation of marmalade and gingerbread.
- Ice cream production is based on the ability of glucose to lower the freezing rate of a given product, while increasing its density and firmness.
- Production of bakery food: creates favorable conditions for fermentation processes, which entails an improvement not only in taste, but also in organoleptic ones.
What are other uses for glucose tablets?
Application in medicine
Natural sugar has detoxifying and metabolic properties, which is the basis for its use in medical practice.
The monosaccharide comes in the following forms:
- Glucose tablets. The instructions for use say that it contains 0.5 grams of dry matter of dextrose. When administered orally (through the mouth), it has a vasodilating and sedative effect, replenishing the body's energy reserves, thereby contributing to an increase in the intellectual level of development and physical activity of a person.
- In the form of a solution for infusion. One liter of 5% glucose solution accounts for 50.0 grams of dry matter of dextrose, 10% solution, respectively, contain 100.0 g, in a 20% mixture - 200.0 g of active ingredient. It should be borne in mind that a 5% saccharide solution is isotonic to blood plasma, therefore, its introduction in the form of an infusion contributes to the normalization of acid-base balance and water-electrolyte balance.
- The solution in the form of intravenous injections promotes an increase in the osmotic pressure of the blood, vasodilation, increased outflow of fluid from tissues, an increase in urination, which, in turn, ensures the activation of metabolic processes in the liver and the normalization of the contractile activity of the heart muscle.
Indications for use
The instructions for the use of glucose indicate that the indications for use are:
- Low concentration of blood sugar (hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma).
- Significant mental (intellectual) and physical activity.
- For early recovery during the rehabilitation period after surgery or protracted diseases.
- As a complex therapy for decompensation of pathological processes presented in the form of cardiac insufficiency, intestinal pathologies, hemorrhagic diathesis, or diseases affecting the liver or kidneys.
- Collaptoid state.
- A state of shock of any genesis.
- Dehydration regardless of the source of origin.
- The period of intoxication with narcotic drugs, various chemical compounds.
- In pregnant women, in order to increase fetal weight gain.
special instructions
For glucose, the instructions for use confirm that concentrated solutions (10%, 25%, 40%) are used only for intravenous administration of no more than 20-50 milliliters at the same time, with the exception of emergency situations in the form of massive blood loss, hypoglycemia. In these cases, up to 300 milliliters per day are poured in. The doctor must remember, and the patient must take into account the synergistic interaction (mutual reinforcing effect on each other) of glucose and ascorbic acid. Tablet preparations are taken in a dosage of 1-2 pieces with an increase of up to 10, depending on the need.
It is imperative to take into account that dextrose has the ability to weaken the effect of glycosides for the heart by the fact that they are inactivated and oxidized. Accordingly, you need to take a break between taking these funds. Also, the effectiveness of the following drugs is reduced by the action of glucose:
- nystatin;
- analgesics;
- streptomycin;
- adrenergic agonists.
If a person has hyponatremia and renal failure, then glucose should be taken with caution, constantly monitoring the indicators of central hemodynamics. According to indications, it is prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. Children under 5 years of age are not prescribed the tablet form for the reason that they cannot yet dissolve the tablet under the tongue. A glucose preparation is often prescribed for alcohol intoxication and various poisoning.
Contraindications to the use of glucose
Do not prescribe the drug when a person has:
- diabetes;
- any pathological condition accompanied by a drop in blood sugar levels;
- cases of individual intolerance (development of drug or food allergy phenomena).
Conclusion
You need to understand that you need a reasonable use of both glucose and all food products and medicines. Otherwise, it threatens a malfunction in regulation, in particular of the endocrine system, a decrease in the level of not only work capacity and physical activity, but also the quality of life.
We have considered glucose - a representative of monosaccharides. The chemical structure, properties, application are described in detail.
Do you know what glucose is? Surely every reader has an idea about this. But can we say that we know all the properties and features of glucose? The article will be devoted to the consideration of this substance from a medical point of view.
Introduction
The second name for glucose is dextrose or grape sugar, as the people say. This monosaccharide is one of the main sources of energy for humans. It was discovered scientifically only in 1802 by the physician William Prout.
The main reason for the development of such a disease lies in the disruption of the pancreas. In order to protect yourself from illness, you should eat foods that lower sugar levels: oatmeal, seafood, blueberry juice, black currants, tomatoes, soy cheese, green tea, meat, fish, lemons, grapefruits, almonds, peanuts , watermelons, garlic and onions.
Hypoglycemia
When there is little monosaccharide in the blood, the body also suffers. After all, what is glucose? It is a necessary substance for the body, like air for the lungs. When it is not enough, the body weakens, the nutrition of the brain deteriorates, and the person increasingly faints. Other symptoms also include fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor motor coordination. The cells of the body do not receive proper nutrition, their division slows down, as does the regeneration process, which can lead to their complete death.
There are several main causes of hypoglycemia. This is a lack of sweets in the diet, cancer, alcohol poisoning, thyroid dysfunction.
In order to get rid of this disease or to carry out prevention, you should review your diet. It is necessary to add to it foods that contain glucose in natural form.
Benefit
To have a complete understanding of what glucose is, it is necessary to consider its main functions - nutrition and energy saturation of the body. It is this monosaccharide that supports the work of the respiratory system, muscle contraction, heartbeat, and the functioning of the nervous system. What other role does glucose play?
- It promotes the activation of metabolic processes, and in itself is easily digestible.
- Provides performance.
- Improves memory, learning ability, nourishes brain cells.
- Stimulates cardiac activity.
- Promotes the rapid saturation of the body with food.
- Affects the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Allows faster recovery of muscle tissue.
- Accelerates the neutralization of toxic substances in the liver.
In addition, glucose is used as a constituent element in anti-shock drugs, blood substitutes.
Harm
However, for older people, glucose can cause severe harm. This is especially true for people who have metabolic disorders. For example, the following complications may arise:
- sharp weight gain;
- thrombophlebitis;
- disruption of the pancreas;
- increased cholesterol levels;
- allergic reactions;
- inflammatory and heart disease;
- arterial hypertension.
Receiving energy from glucose should be fully compensated for by energy costs for processes in the body.
Sources of
We learned almost everything there was to know about glucose. The rate of its consumption for each is determined individually. Where can you find the amount of natural monosaccharide you need? A lot of this substance is found in the muscle tissues of animals, berries, starch and fruits. The richest natural source of glucose is honey, which contains 80% of this monosaccharide. In addition, it contains fructose, which is no less useful for humans. Doctors and nutritionists agree that food should be eaten that will stimulate the body to extract natural saccharides, and not revel in refined sugar and confectionery. It is quite obvious which glucose will be healthier for the body. Below is a list of desirable foods:
- marmalade;
- gingerbread;
- dates;
- pearl barley porridge;
- dried apricots;
- raisin;
- apple jam;
- apricots.
Medical applications
The glucose level in the body can be changed not only by reviewing your diet. Sometimes drugs are used. At the same time, the use of glucose during pregnancy in the form of tablets is highly undesirable. It is worth taking drugs only if the doctor has allowed it. Self-medication can lead to negative consequences. However, pregnant women are often prescribed a monosaccharide if there is a suspicion of low fetal weight.
In medicine, the spectrum of action of this substance is large. It improves metabolism and promotes redox processes. The active ingredient of the drug is dextrose monohydrate, that is, glucose we know with an admixture of other substances.
What the doctor ordered
Glucose reactions, which occur automatically in a healthy person, sometimes need to be artificially induced in sick people. Prescribe drugs based on a monosaccharide in such cases:
- hypoglycemia;
- the need for carbohydrate nutrition;
- recovery period after severe and long-term illnesses;
- intestinal infections and liver diseases;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure;
- experienced shock;
- dehydration of the body;
- severe intoxication.
Also, doctors use glucose in liquid form for parenteral administration. This is done in several ways:
- subcutaneously;
- intravenously;
- with an enema.
Now we know what glucose is, how important it is for health, and what foods you need to add to your diet in order for the body to have enough nutrients. Remember, deviations from the norm are always bad. It is better to stick to the golden mean in the consumption of sweets of natural and artificial origin.