What is glucose?

Glucose is a carbohydrate that consists of a single sugar molecule (monosaccharide). Several types of carbohydrates exist, classified based on the number of sugar molecules (glucose chains) they consist of. Examples of glucose include dextrose, honey and fruit sugars. Carbohydrates that consist of two glucose molecules (disaccharides) are for example: cane sugar and beet sugar. Carbohydrates that consist of more than 10 glucose molecules (polysaccharide) include bread, potatoes and pasta.

When you eat carbohydrates, the body digests them, breaking down the glucose molecules into single glucose molecules. The intestinal wall can absorb this glucose, where it enters the bloodstream (referred to as blood glucose or blood sugar). In this way, glucose reaches where it is needed; in tissues that can use it, such as muscles. Using glucose produces energy that is necessary for the body to function properly.

The body maintains the amount of glucose in the blood at a normal level. When blood glucose levels rise (after eating), the hormone insulin allows the tissues to absorb glucose from the blood, where it can be used for energy. The body can also increase blood glucose levels when it becomes too low. This is done by the hormone glucagon, which releases glucose back into the bloodstream.

Diabetes

People with diabetes have a blood glucose (blood sugar) that is not properly regulated. This can occur due to either insufficient insulin production or because the cells have become less sensitive to insulin. Diet or medication can help control blood glucose levels.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is a measure of the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. In people with diabetes, an HbA1c value may be falsely considered normal if blood glucose levels have fluctuated significantly (very low and very high) and average out to a normal value. This should be taken into account when analyzing the results.

In Vital Organs, Total Health en PME examinations, we check these values in the blood.

Sources

• Voedingscentrum: Glucose. Available at https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/glucose.aspx
• Diabetes Fonds: Wat is glucose? Available at https://www.diabetesfonds.nl/over-eten/veelgestelde-vragen-suiker/wat-is-glucose
• Diabetesvereniging Nederland: Wat is HbA1c? Available at https://www.dvn.nl/wat-is-diabetes/hypo-en-hyper/hba1c