1. What Is Glucose and Where Does It Come From?

• Simple sugars from food: Found in fruits, table sugar, and milk
• Complex carbs: From rice, bread, potatoes—digested more slowly
• Internal production:
  • Glycogen breakdown from the liver
  • Gluconeogenesis: New glucose made from protein when fasting

2. Why Glucose Is So Important for the Body

• The brain depends almost entirely on glucose
• Muscles use glucose for movement and activity
• Red blood cells rely only on glucose—even without oxygen
• Inside cells, glucose is converted to ATP, the body’s usable energy

• Clear thinking
• Steady energy
• Emotional stability
• Balanced hormones (e.g. insulin, cortisol)

3. What Happens When Glucose Is Too Low (Hypoglycemia)?

• Defined as glucose <3.9 mmol/L
• Symptoms:
  • Shakiness, sweating, irritability
  • Dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat
  • In severe cases: seizures, coma
• Common causes:
  • Skipping meals
  • Excess exercise
  • Overuse of insulin
  • Drinking alcohol without food

4. What Happens When Glucose Is Too High (Hyperglycemia)?

• Defined as fasting glucose >7.0 mmol/L
• Symptoms:
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Fatigue and blurry vision
  • Unexplained weight loss
• Long-term risks:
  • Nerve damage
  • Vision loss
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Kidney failure
  • Foot ulcers and infections
  • Severe cases: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar state

5. Why Stable Blood Glucose Matters for Everyone

• Brain and muscle performance
• Energy stability throughout the day
• Hormonal balance and metabolic regulation