Glucose

Synonyms: Dextrose, Saccharum amylaceum, Saccharum uvarum
Abbreviation: Glc
Empirical formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
German: Glukose

1 Definition

Glucose is a monosaccharide that is very common in nature. It is one of the most important carbohydrates.

2 Structure

Glucose is a hexavalent polyol whose hydroxyl-group is oxidized to its C₁ atom in form of an aldehyde. The molecular scaffolding of glucose contains 6 carbon atoms, which is therefore characterized as aldohexose.

3 Physiological function

The cell uses glucose as a major source of energy and as a metabolic intermediate. The level of plsama glucose is regulated by a feedback control system containing the peptide hormones insulin and glucagon.

4 Pathophysiology

Important disorders of glucose metabolism are:

• Hyperglycemic diseaes:
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Glucagonoma
• Hypoglcycemic diseases:
  • Insulinoma
  • Glycogenoses