The craving of sugary foods has been embedded in our DNA. It's been there since our ancestors needed more energy than we need today for scavenging for food and fighting for their survival. Unfortunately, this sugar craving is a current major contributor to obesity and diabetes now that food is easier to find and we don't have to exert much energy to get it. Along with Type II diabetes, high-sugar diets are known to badly affect the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, joints and even the skin. Knowing what is glucose will help prevent high blood sugar-related ailments.

Glucose was first discovered in 1747 from raisins by Andreas Marggraf, but it didn't earn its name until 1838 by Jean Dumas, from the greek, "glycos." Derived from the Greek word meaning sweet, glucose comes from foods eaten and is made by the body from food.Several types of sugar and alternative sweeteners have been developed over the years, but glucose and fructose are the two most commonly found in foods. All carbohydrates break down into glucose, and all sugars from fruits and vegetables break down into fructose.

When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas makes and releases hormones, including insulin. The insulin carries glucose into muscles and other parts of the body that need it or the glucose can be saved for later. These stored bundles of glucose are known as glycogen. The body can only store enough fuel for a day's worth of energy.

Common storage areas include the liver, kidneys and muscles. Any other glucose stays in the bloodstream.Too much glucose over extended periods of time can damage blood vessels, particularly those that carry oxygen-rich blood to your organs.

This has been known to cause heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and damage to the nerves and eyes.When the body stops digesting food and blood sugar levels drop, the pancreas stops producing insulin. Instead, alpha cells in the pancreas produce glucagon, which tells the liver and kidneys to break down stored glycogen and turn it back into glucose. It is then released back into the bloodstream to be used immediately.

About 200 years ago, the average American consumed about 45 grams of sugar a day, equal to that of a can of coke. Unfortunately, now average Americans consume almost 160 grams of sugar a day. That's 800 grams of sugar every five days and about 130 pounds per year. Although glucose is a key element in keeping the body moving, high levels are unhealthy and have permanent and serious side effects.

What is glucose's effect on your body? The body needs carbohydrates to stay healthy and operate at peak performance. The most important and demanding organ that needs glucose is the brain. It is full of neurons that constantly need glucose for thinking, learning and remembering. Neurons with inconsistent levels of glucose can't perform as they should, including completing processes like communicating with the rest of the body.This is the reason why when you miss a meal, you can become irritable and can have a hard time concentrating or remembering something new. Individuals with inconsistent glucose levels over a long period (usually individuals with diabetes) can develop serious health issues, like dementia or other cognitive difficulties.

Frequent change in blood sugar levels can be caused by consuming too much or not enough high-carb- or high-sugar food. However, this can also be affected by the lack of or too much physical activity, changes in hormone levels (such as during pregnancy or menstrual cycles) or stress. There are some medications with side effects that can affect blood sugar levels. Also, taking too much diabetes medication and consuming alcohol on an empty stomach contribute to low blood sugar levels.Diabetes

Normally, blood sugar levels rise after a meal. However, the body needs time between meals to let blood sugar levels drop to less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) but not lower than 80 mg/dl. This is known as fasting blood sugar levels. It is during this time that the body releases glycogen to be turned into glucose.

There are two types of diabetes:  Type I and Type II. Type I is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the body doesn't supply enough insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas. Type I diabetes often develops during childhood; it is commonly known as juvenile diabetes.

Type II diabetes, sometimes referred to as insulin-resistant diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is often linked to lifestyle issues, such as being overweight or not getting enough exercise. When this condition develops, the pancreas is essentially being damaged from being overworked. Since the cells don't respond to insulin like they used to, the pancreas tries to overcompensate to move the glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot be absorbed, causing high blood sugar levels.

This is a diabetic condition that refers to high blood sugar levels, but these levels aren't as high as in individuals with diabetes. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to serious conditions, like Type II diabetes and diabetic coma, which require emergency medical care. Fasting blood sugar levels of 125 mg/dl (two hours after a meal) are considered to be high blood glucose levels.

In the long run, chronic hyperglycemia can cause serious complications, even if the hyperglycemia is not severe.

This is a diabetic condition that refers to a low level of sugar in the bloodstream. Immediate treatment is necessary when the blood glucose levels drop to 70 mg/dl. Typically, treatments require quick steps to get blood sugar levels back to normal. This can be consuming a high-sugar food or drink or possibly medications. Long-term treatment requires understanding the underlying cause of hypoglycemia and treating it.

Although it is rare, there are a variety of conditions that can cause low blood sugar in people with diabetes. For instance, a fever would be considered a symptom and not the disease. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated, blood sugar levels should go back to normal.

What are the effects of glucose? Those with diabetes need to test their blood sugar levels often due to their condition. When those affected don't have enough insulin to move glucose into cells, their bodies don't respond as it should to insulin. When left unchecked, it can lead to damage of the kidneys, eyes and other organs. Those with either Type I or II diabetes have the daunting task of manually maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. Their daily routines might include insulin injections so that their bodies and brains perform as they should.

For individuals without diabetes, maintaining consistent blood sugar levels is a key factor in overall physical and mental health wellness.  Exercise, diet and possibly medicine can help keep glucose stay in a healthy range and prevent serious complications.

We hope this article helped you better understand what is glucose and how glucose affects your body so you can better improve the health and overall quality of your life and the lives of the ones closest to you.