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Table of Contents
One of the most abundant kinds of sugar found in the blood and the primary energy source for the body’s cells is glucose. Glucose originates from the meals we eat or is produced by the body from other chemicals. Glucose is transported to cells via the bloodstream. Several hormones, including insulin, regulate glucose levels in the blood.
See the fact file below for more information on Glucose, or you can download our 26-page Glucose worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Glucose
- Glucose, commonly known as dextrose, is a carbohydrate classified as a simple sugar (monosaccharides). The chemical formula for glucose (from Greek glykys; “sweet”) is C6H12O6.
- It is present in fruits and honey and is the most abundant free sugar in the blood of higher animals.
- It provides energy for cell activities; hence controlling its metabolism is critical (like fermentation; gluconeogenesis).
- Another significant glucose molecule that is likewise linear is cellulose. D-glucose is the chemical Dextrose.
- Glycogen, the reserve carbohydrate in most vertebrate and invertebrate animal cells, as well as those of countless fungi and protozoans, is a similar molecule in mammals.
- There are numerous distinct types and forms of caloric sweeteners referred to as “sugar,” the most common being table sugar. Sucrose is a disaccharide comprised of equal parts of two monosaccharides, such as fructose and glucose.
- Monosaccharides are single sugar molecules, sometimes referred to as “simple” sugars. We ingest three types of monosaccharides: fructose, galactose, and glucose.
- They join in diverse combinations to generate the three most essential disaccharides (two linked sugar units) in human nutrition: lactose, maltose, and sucrose.
- The unifying thread in all of this is glucose. It is a component of sucrose (connected with fructose), lactose (linked with galactose), and maltose (two linked glucose units).
- In addition to being a component of disaccharides, glucose is also a component of life. Glucose is the primary energy source in our bodies, with some tissues, such as the brain, requiring a steady supply.
- Because glucose flows in our circulation as a source of readily available energy, it is referred to as “blood sugar.”
- Glycogen is also stored in the body for energy reserves at times when blood glucose levels are low.
Where does glucose come from?
- The most prevalent monosaccharide found in nature is glucose. It is produced by photosynthesis in plants. Glucose is stored in linked chains in certain plants. These chains are known as starch. Corn, potatoes, rice, and wheat are examples of starchy foods.
- Commercially, starch is separated from these food sources to produce dextrose, glucose, maltodextrins, polyols, and high fructose corn syrup, which are used as components in manufacturing several meals, drinks, dressings, and sauces.
- Some foods include naturally occurring glucose monosaccharides (not as part of starch). Honey has the highest concentration of glucose monosaccharides of any entire food, followed by dried fruits such as dates, apricots, raisins, currants, cranberries, prunes, and figs.
Is glucose natural or added sugar?
- Depending on its source, sugar is referred to as natural or added sugar. When ingested from whole foods such as apricots and dates, glucose is called raw sugar.
- When glucose is consumed from packaged foods and drinks to which it has been added during manufacture, it is termed an added sugar.
- Unfortunately, approximately one out of every ten Americans consumes the appropriate quantity of fruits and vegetables daily. In contrast, six out of ten consume more added sugars than is suggested.
How is glucose digested?
- Technically, glucose does not need to be digested. Instead, it is absorbed straight into the circulation in the small intestine, where it can be utilized for energy or later stored as glycogen in muscle and the liver.
- We receive glucose directly from foods like honey, meals, and beverages containing lactose, sucrose, and starch.
- When we ingest starchy meals, our saliva must first break down the starch into maltose (pairs of linked glucose units).
- Maltose is further broken down into individual glucose units, allowing them to be absorbed.
- When we ingest lactose and sucrose, glucose is absorbed after dissociated from its companion monosaccharide in the same way as maltose is (galactose in lactose and fructose in sucrose).
- Because of the stages required in disaccharide and starch digestion, it takes longer for glucose to be absorbed, resulting in a lower blood sugar increase than eating glucose immediately.
Can our bodies make glucose?
- To operate, our bodies require glucose. It is essential for our brain, which utilizes around 60% of our bodies’ glucose.
- However, glucose does not necessarily have to be obtained directly through meals and beverages. The body produces glucose to ensure that we always have an adequate supply.
- One method is to break down glycogen to release the glucose it contains. Glycogen breakdown happens during periods of intense physical activity or between meals.
Illness that may experience
- Insulin is a hormone that transfers glucose from the circulation into cells for energy storage and use. Diabetes individuals have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels.
- They either lack a sufficient amount of insulin, or their cells don’t manufacture it as well as they should.
- High blood glucose levels can affect your kidneys, eyes, and other organs over time.
- Diabetes is a condition marked by abnormally high blood sugar levels. Too much glucose in your blood might have serious consequences over time. People may experience difficulties with blood sugar levels that are too low or too high, even if they do not have diabetes.
- Maintaining regular eating, exercise, and medication regimens can assist.
- It is critical that you maintain your blood sugar levels within your target range if you have diabetes.
- It is possible that you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels several times every day. In addition, your doctor will do an A1C blood test on you. It looks at your three-month blood sugar average. Extremely high blood sugar levels may require taking medicines and/or following a strict diet.
Importance in maintaining health glucose level
- Consistent blood sugar levels are an essential aspect of overall health and fitness.
- For example, people with Type 1 diabetes must do more to maintain constant glucose levels since their bodies do not make insulin.
- Their daily routines may include insulin injections to ensure their bodies have the necessary resources to transport glucose to their cells and minds.
- A balanced diet is essential for managing blood sugar levels in a body that canβt manufacture insulin. Skipping meals or depriving yourself of the sugars and carbs your body requires to operate may result in an inability to focus or mood swings.
- Consistently ingesting meals heavy in sugars or processed carbs, on the other hand, may result in headaches, weariness, and dehydration.
- Understanding your body’s nutrients to create the appropriate glucose levels can help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Glucose Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Glucose across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Glucose, which is one of the most abundant kinds of sugar found in the blood and the primary energy source for the body’s cells.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Glucose Facts
- What Am I?
- Too Sweet to be True
- Sugar Tree
- Complete the Formula
- Think and Draw
- Added or Natural
- Sugar Everywhere
- Healthy Glucose
- Share Your Favorite
- Sugar Body
- Treat For You
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Link will appear as Glucose Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, November 10, 2022
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.