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Glucose & Diabetes

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Glucose

Glucose is a sugar molecule. It is a simple carbohydrate and is classed as a monosaccharide.

Formula

Formula

  • Glucose has the formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
  • This means glucose contains:
    • 6 carbon atoms
    • 12 hydrogen atoms
    • 6 oxygen atoms
Glucose in the body

Glucose in the body

  • Glucose is a monosaccharide carbohydrate.
    • Monosaccharides cannot be broken down into simpler sugars.
  • Glucose is needed for energy in the body.
    • Once in the blood, glucose is referred to as blood sugar.
    • A hormone called insulin transports the glucose from the blood into the cells.
Chemical reactions

Chemical reactions

  • Glucose is used in a chemical reaction called respiration.
    • Both plants and animals respire.
  • In respiration, animals turn oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
  • Plants use photosynthesis to create their energy.
    • During photosynthesis, plants turn carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a health condition associated with high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes

Diabetes

  • Diabetes is when the body cannot control its blood sugar levels.
  • The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin.
    • Insulin stores the glucose in the cells and regulates blood sugar.
Treating diabetes

Treating diabetes

  • Diabetes is treated by injecting insulin at various times over the day to control blood sugar levels.
    • High blood sugar is also called hyperglycemia.
    • Low blood sugar is also called hypoglycemia.
Effects of diabetes

Effects of diabetes

  • People with high blood sugar levels may:
    • Feel thirsty
    • Need to urinate frequently
    • Feel weak and tired
    • Have blurred vision
    • Experience unwanted weight loss
Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

  • Type 1 diabetes is when insulin produced in the body is destroyed by the body's own immune system.
  • Type 1 diabetes is a condition that people are born with.
Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

  • Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or does not react to insulin.
    • Type 2 diabetes is linked to poor diet and obesity.
  • Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1.
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Biology

1.1

Cells, Tissues & Organs

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Plants & Photosynthesis

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