Today's Human Body Molecule #4: Glucose

over 4 years ago (Edited)

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Molecular weight: 180
Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆

Glucose is a molecule which is readily used for energy production in biochemical pathways inside the cells. Its concentration in the extracellular space is tightly regulated by insulin and glucagon. When the concentration of glucose drops below a certain level, hypoglycemia ensues and when it increases above another level the state is called hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus is a term which describes several conditions which result in an altered carbohydrate metabolism from lack of insulin or insulin resistance and that usually lead to chronic hyperglycemia. This chronic hyperglycemia damages the vascular system, nerves, renal parenchyma and the retina.

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