A sticky-sweet situation

Glucose is something that effects everyone’s daily lives. The molecule is a carbohydrate that stands as the most important simple sugar in human metabolism. Glucose is extremely important because it serves as an energy source for plants and animals. It is found in the human blood stream and the sap of plants.

The structure of glucose seems a bit complex, but really it is made up of C₆H₁₂O₆. Glucose is a simple sugar/monosaccharide because it is one of the smallest units, and also has characteristics of carbohydrates.

A German pharmacist, Andreas Marggraf, first discovered glucose in 1747. Marggraf was isolating sucrose from sugar beets, and then isolated glucose for the first time in raisins. Then in 1838 a French chemist named Marggraf’s isolated substance as “glucose” meaning sweet in Greek. It wasn’t until 1902 when glucose was finally further researched because of its benefits for the human body.

But why is glucose so significant? Glucose helps the body metabolize. When oxidized glucose produces carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen compounds. The result of the oxidation provides energy that the body’s cells can then use for digestion and cellular respiration, and even to keep the body warm.

Besides the fact that glucose influences the body physically, glucose and sugar consumption also plays a prominent roll in today’s. Especially during the holidays, houses are filled with sugary treats, and hot cider. Celebrating with friends and family is an affair now—fully equipped with decked out meals and handmade deserts for all to over indulge in. But when does our sugar intake become too much? For every person sugar intake should be monitored differently, depending on weight, height, metabolism, and age. The most important thing to remember is—over consumption of sugar/glucose is reflected in more significant health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and dental caries. So during the holiday season and into the new year, remember that while glucose “sugar” helps the body function, we all still need to watch what we eat and how much we consume.