d-glucose

glucose, d-glucose

a simple sugar, a monosaccharide in certain foodstuffs, especially fruit, and in normal blood; the major source of energy for many living organisms. See also dextrose.

Glucose, whose molecular formula is C₆H₁₂O₆, is the end product of carbohydrate digestion; other monosaccharides (fructose and galactose) are largely converted into glucose. Glucose is the only monosaccharide present in significant amounts in the body fluids. The oxidation of glucose produces energy for the body cells; the rate of metabolism is controlled by a number of hormones the most important of which are insulin and glucagon. Glucose that is not needed for energy is stored in the form of glycogen as a source of potential energy, readily available when needed. Most of the glycogen is stored in the liver and muscle cells. When these and other body cells are saturated with glycogen, the excess glucose is converted into fat and stored as adipose tissue. See also hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia.

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[1-¹⁴C]-glucose

radioactive glucose used experimentally.

liquid glucose

a thick syrupy, sweet liquid, consisting chiefly of dextrose, with dextrins, maltose and water, obtained by incomplete hydrolysis of starch; used as a flavoring agent, as a food, and in the treatment of dehydration.

glucose-1-phosphate

an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism.

glucose-6-phosphatase

a liver (and kidney) enzyme that irreversibly cleaves glucose-6-phosphate to free glucose and phosphate; important in glucose homeostasis.

glucose-6-phosphate

an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism.

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)

a regulatory enzyme in the metabolism of glucose-6-phosphate. A deficiency of the enzyme in the erythrocyte results in a hemolytic anemia; an inherited abnormality in humans, rats and mice and acquired in animals in phenothiazine toxicity and ingestion of kale.

glucose phosphate isomerase

converts glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate and the reverse reaction.

glucose suppression test

suppression of blood levels of growth hormone by the intravenous administration of glucose is used to diagnose acromegaly.

glucose tolerance factor (GTF)

a naturally occurring substance containing chromium which potentiates the effects of insulin.

glucose tolerance test

a test of the body's ability to utilize carbohydrates. It is often used to detect abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism such as occur in diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, and liver and adrenocortical dysfunction. If administered orally, it may also be used to assess the absorptive capacity of the small intestine.