Why is glucose in the blood?
1 Answer
Dec 6, 2016
Glucose, a simple carbohydrate, is present in blood to supply energy for cellular activities.
Explanation:
Glucose in the blood (commonly called blood sugar, which is a misnomer), is produced as a result of digestion of ingested carbohydrates and absorption in the intestine.
The blood stream transports the absorbed glucose and insulin (secreted by the pancreas) enables the glucose to enter cells to provide energy for cellular activities. This action regulates the quanity of glucose in the blood.
Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and in muscles to be accessed when there is insufficient glucose in the blood for energy. Glucagon, also released by the pancreas, breaks down glycogen into glucose to make it available for energy.
