Question

What happens to glucose in the kidneys?

Answer 1

Glucose is filtered through the glomerulus, appears in glomerular filtrate and then reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

Explanation:

The glomerulus is the filtering system of the nephron , the functional unit of the kidney. The blood coming from the afferent arteriole pushes blood into the glomerulus where ultrafiltration takes place. After that blood leaves via efferent arteriole with plasma proteins such as albumin, globulin and red blood cells, platelets, etc.

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The filtered part of blood that is collected into the Bowman's space is called glomerular filtrate . It is composed of glucose, salts, vitamins, amino acids, water and bicarbonate along with nitrogenous waste products like urea. Once the filtrate passes through the proximal convoluted tubule , the primary site of absorption, 100% of the glucose is reabsorbed back into the blood, including other nutrients and molecules.

Please note that 100% reabsorption of glucose from filtrate by PCT may take place only when blood glucose level is below 180 mg/dL: when blood sugar level shoots above this renal threshhold, glucose will appear in urine (i.e. 100% reabsorption will not be possible).