Functions of Glucose metabolism
1.
Storage
of energy by the process of Glycogenesis. If and when glucose
is not required, it may be stored as glycogen in liver and muscles.
Approximately 700 grams of glycogen can be stored in the body, 300 grams in
liver and 400 grams in skeletal muscles. Some glucose can be temporarily stored
in skin and subcutaneous tissue.
2.
Source
of energy- By the process of Glycolysis and oxidation through
Krebs’s cycle energy is produced. One gram of glucose provides four calories of
energy.
3.
Maintenance
of blood sugar level- Glucose level in the blood remains in
the narrow range of 80-120 mg/100 ml of blood. As per the need glycogen can be
converted into blood glucose and vice versa.
4.
Synthesis
of hexose phosphate- This is an intermediary step formed
during oxidation of glucose, absorption of glucose from intestine and
reabsorption from kidney tubules. It is a very important form in which hexose
exists in the body. It is present in large quantities in the muscles,
intestine, liver, etc.
5.
Synthesis
of lactose- In the lactating mother lactose is synthesized
from blood glucose. The mammary glands convert glucose into galactose and then
unite the latter with another molecule of glucose to form lactose.
6.
Synthesis
of glycoprotein
7.
Synthesis
of fats sugar complex- For instance, cerebrosides are synthesized
by the nerve cells from galactose and fats. Galactose is locally synthesized
from blood glucose.
8.
Synthesis
of fat- Lipogenesis is a process of conversion of carbohydrates
into fats.
9.
Synthesis
of proteins- Simple amino acids may be formed by
uniting ammonia with pyruvic acid, etc., which may easily be derived from
carbohydrates.
Glucose is not excreted
from the body in normal health. It is a high threshold substance (170 mg per
100 ml of blood). In metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus), when blood
sugar level gives higher value than renal threshold value, the glucose appears
in the urine, the condition is known as Glycosuria. In lactating mother,
lactose may be found in the mother's urine. Pentose in urine is known as Pentosuria.
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