Insights on Glucose and Dextrose: Key Facts to Understand
A continuous glucose monitor, a device that measures blood sugar levels 24/7 using a sensor underneath the skin, is essential for people with diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels daily. But what exactly are glucose and dextrose, the substances being measured, and how do they affect our health?
Firstly, it's important to note that glucose is your body's main fuel source, providing energy for cells, particularly those in the brain and muscles. Glucose is found in foods and drinks containing carbohydrates, and your liver, brain, and muscle cells store unused glucose as glycogen.
Dextrose, on the other hand, is mostly derived from corn and wheat. It is often used interchangeably with glucose in the food industry. While glucose and dextrose have slightly different chemical makeups, they function similarly in the body.
Despite being vital energy sources, there is no established recommended daily intake (RDI) for glucose or dextrose specifically. Instead, dietary guidelines focus on total added sugars, which include glucose and dextrose in packaged foods and beverages. According to the CDC, adults should consume no more than 10% of daily calories from added sugars, equating to about 50 grams (12 teaspoons) per day for a standard 2,000-calorie diet. Children aged 2-18 years should consume no more than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugars daily, and infants under 12 months should have no added sugars at all.
However, excessive intake of added sugars, including glucose and dextrose, is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. This is largely due to their effects on blood lipids (like raising triglycerides), promoting inflammation, and contributing to hypertension. Artificial sweeteners like erythritol have also been associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke in observational studies, though dextrose itself has not been singled out in the same way.
High consumption of added sugars promotes weight gain and obesity, as they add empty calories and can stimulate appetite. Obesity, in turn, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.
For people managing a medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. For the general population, minimizing added sugars—including glucose and dextrose—is a key strategy for maintaining heart health and healthy body weight.
In conclusion, while glucose and dextrose are essential for our bodies, consuming them in excess can lead to serious health issues. It's essential to be mindful of the total added sugars in our diet and make informed choices for our health and well-being.
- Understanding glucose, the main fuel source for our bodies, is important, especially for those with diabetes who use a continuous glucose monitor.
- Dextrose, often used interchangeably with glucose in food, is primarily derived from corn and wheat.
- Exceeding the recommended daily intake of added sugars, such as glucose and dextrose, can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke.
- To maintain heart health and a healthy body weight, the general public should limit their added sugar consumption, including glucose and dextrose.
- For individuals battling medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, it's crucial to seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their sugar intake.
