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Glucose (C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\))

Glucose is metabolized during cellular respiration to generate ATP, at a rate of one glucose molecule to 30-to-32 ATP.

Glucose is pulled freely into cells with GLUT-1, GLUT-2, or GLUT-3 receptors (e.g. insulin-independent cells) such as:

  • Pancreatic cells.
  • Hepatic cells.
  • Nerve cells.
  • Smooth muscle walls of blood vessels.

Cells with GLUT-4 recepts (i.e. insulin-dependent cells)require insulin to uptake glucose. These cells include:

  • Adipose tissue.
  • Skeletal muscle cells.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (excess blood glucose, defined as CBG > 100) damages insulin-independent cells due to the accumulation of metabolic waste products.

Hyperglycemia causes excess glucose to build up in the renal tubule. This excess glucose osmoses H\(_2\)O, resulting in polyuria and the downstream symptoms of dehydration, polydipsia, and hypotension due to ECF volume loss.

Other symptoms of hyperglycemia include blurry vision due to osmotic effects within the eye and increased infections (such as thrush and yeast infections) due to the excess glucose providing a food source for microorganisms.

Extreme hyperglycemia can induce Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome.

Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

  • Pale, cool, diaphoretic skin.
  • Irritability, anxiety, shakiness.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Confusion and trouble concentrating.
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