What is Glucose?

Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood and is a major source of energy for the body's cells. Glucose primarily comes from the foods we consume, though the body can also produce it from other sources. Glucose is carried to the cells through the bloodstream. Several hormones, including insulin, control glucose levels in the blood.

The body regulates glucose levels in the blood with the help of hormones, the most notable being insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood which helps maintain a balanced blood sugar level. Proper glucose regulation is essential for normal body function, as both high and low blood sugar levels can lead to health issues.

Why Glucose Matters

You may be familiar with glucose through the context of diabetic health management. Blood sugar regulation for diabetics is very important to ensure that one is not entering a hyperglycemic (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) state. However, glucose is a very important metric for metabolic health in general and has an impact on these key areas:

• Preventing Insulin Resistance - Maintaining healthy glucose levels is essential for metabolic health. Consistently high glucose levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This can progress to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful management and can lead to serious complications.
• Energy Supply - Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. It fuels essential functions in the brain, muscles, and other organs. Stable glucose levels ensure that the body has a consistent supply of energy, helping to maintain normal bodily functions and activities.
• Brain Function - The brain relies heavily on glucose as its main energy source. Proper glucose levels are essential for cognitive functions, including memory, concentration, and decision-making. Low glucose levels can lead to symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Hormonal Regulation - Glucose levels influence the release of hormones, including insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Proper insulin function is crucial for maintaining balanced glucose levels and preventing metabolic disorders.
• Prevention of Long-Term Health Complications - Chronic high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia, can cause long-term damage to various organs and systems. It can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), and vision problems (retinopathy). On the other hand, low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, can be acutely dangerous, causing symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
• Immune Function - Proper glucose levels support the immune system’s function. High glucose levels can impair the immune response, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and heal wounds.

What are Healthy Glucose Levels?

The gold standard of glucose testing is a fasted blood sugar test. When we are in a fasted state our glucose levels are at their lowest and there are a lower amount of variables. However, non-fasted glucose and post-meal glucose are important considerations in the overall management of your metabolic health. Below are defined ranges of glucose readings:

As you may have noticed from the above graph, these categorizations don't fully represent the concept of healthy glucose levels as the transition from "Normal" to Prediabetes is marginal. At Theia, we focus on optimal health and have stricter ranges than you may see on other services.