Everyone needs energy. That’s why carbs are crucial in many diets. But, that energy doesn’t come directly from carbs. Glucose is the real source of energy. It’s what gives you fuel for working out. That’s today’s topic: why is glucose important?
Muscles require a lot of energy when working out. That’s where glycogen comes into play. Glycogen is how we store glucose in our livers and muscles. From there, we use it to power our daily functions.
Let’s dive into what all that means for our bodies.
What is blood glucose and its different forms?
Glycogen and blood glucose are roughly the same. When we store glucose, we do so as glycogen. In reality, it’s a bunch of glucose molecules lumped together. Glucose comes mainly from carbs in our food.
If your body doesn’t need glucose right away, it stores it. Then, that glucose turns into glycogen. Lastly, that glycogen goes to your muscles and liver. Your body can use these stores later, when necessary.
Glucose turns into glycogen via glycogenesis. And, we break down glycogen for use via glycogenolysis. That last process gets triggered by a hormone called glucagon. It reverts glycogenesis, so your body can use the glucose.
Why does blood glucose have a bad reputation?
In reality, we’re always using glucose, even for thinking. After we eat, our bodies start processing glucose. Our pancreas secretes enzymes to break down the nutrients. The pancreas also releases insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
The problem comes with insulin sensitivity, not necessarily glucose.
Diabetes comes as the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Additionally, insulin resistance is another common diabetes cause.
Both cases result in an excess of sugar in the bloodstream. That’s also because your cells can’t use it for energy. That leads to ketosis, the creation of ketones for energy. With time, this results in diabetes and all its complications.
Why is blood glucose important? When glucose levels shift
Diabetes is the best-known consequence of irregular blood sugar levels. Yet, that’s not the end of the story. Moreover, high blood glucose levels aren’t the only concern. So, why is glucose important? And, why do you need to regulate it?
The clinical significance of blood glucose comes in two parts: hyper and hypoglycemia. Respectively, they’re too much or too little blood glucose levels.
Hyperglycemia is the main cause of type 1 and 2 diabetes. It can cause peripheral nerve damage and oxidative stress. It also results in poor wound healing, coronary artery disease, and retinopathy.
On the other hand, we have hypoglycemia. Symptoms include behavioral changes, fatigue, hunger, anxiety, and tremors. In extreme cases, it can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
Therefore, glucose is vital for maintaining all our body functions. But, it can get dangerous in excess or deficit.
How to keep blood glucose levels normal
So, how can you keep blood glucose on your side? Luckily, it’s fairly simpler than you might expect. At most, it requires extensive lifestyle changes. But, a few switches here and there go a long way.
The first step is to watch what you eat. Avoid saturated and trans fats, sugar, and salt. Avoid too much sugar, like candy and sodas. Drink more water instead of too much juice. And, keep it easy on the alcohol. If you crave sweets, go for fruits.
Next, you want to take a few fitness tips. For instance, keep track of your food portions and macronutrients. And, an exercise routine helps you burn that excess glucose.
The holistic takeaway
So, why is blood glucose important?
Blood glucose makes up our energy. Without it, our bodies would just fail. That’s why carbs are essential. It’s also the reason our body breaks down fat when carb-starved. The key lies in keeping healthy glucose levels.
That’s why I recommend Glucotrust. It helps you keep your glucose levels where you want them. And, it saves time and trouble going through strict diets. Instead, combine it with healthy eating habits and exercise!
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