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Glucose, Fructose and the Rest

Managing blood glucose levels is a critical aspect of diabetes management, which involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

By Dr. Rajkumar Singh | August 2023


Characterised by high blood sugar levels, diabetes is a chronic medical condition, which occurs when the human body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and allows cells to use glucose for energy. Without sufficient insulin or proper insulin function, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to various health complications.

At large, it is of two types- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Another is Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the majority of cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. It can be managed through lifestyle modifications, oral medications, and sometimes insulin injections. In line the third is gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect insulin function. It is usually resolved after delivery, but women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Proper management during pregnancy is crucial to minimise risks to both the mother and baby.

The relation between diabetes and sugar is a fundamental aspect of the condition. In diabetes, the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels, which leads to elevated levels of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. In individuals without diabetes, insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for energy. In people with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces.

When we consume food, especially carbohydrates, our body breaks it down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin to allow glucose to enter the cells. But in case of diabetes, this process is impaired, leading to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). Although, in the process sugar by itself doesn’t directly cause diabetes, consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

When we consume sugary foods, they are quickly converted into glucose, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. This puts stress on the pancreas to produce more insulin to regulate the excess glucose. In addition, carbohydrates, including sugars, have the most significant impact on blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes need to monitor and manage their carbohydrate intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This involves counting carbohydrates and balancing them with insulin or other diabetes medications. However, high blood sugar levels over time can lead to various complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems. Therefore, managing blood sugar levels through diet, medication, and lifestyle choices is crucial for preventing these complications.


The relation between diabetes and glucose is closely intertwined. In the context, glucose is a form of sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. Normally, the body regulates blood glucose levels through the hormone insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be utilized for energy or stored for later use. People with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly to ensure they are within a target range. This involves using a glucose meter to measure blood sugar levels from a small sample of blood.

Monitoring helps individuals make informed decisions about their diet, physical activity, and medication to maintain optimal blood glucose control. In diabetes, when blood glucose levels are consistently high, it leads to hyperglycaemia. This can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. On the other hand, excessive use of diabetes medications, inadequate food intake, or increased physical activity can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), which can cause dizziness, sweating, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

The main concern regarding fructose and diabetes lies in the excessive consumption of added sugars, including high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods and sugary beverages.

Managing blood glucose levels is a critical aspect of diabetes management, which involves a combination of lifestyle modifications (such as a healthy diet and regular exercise), medication (including insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs), and monitoring blood glucose levels. The goal is to maintain stable blood sugar levels within a target range to prevent complications associated with both types of diabetes.

Fructose is a complex type of sugar, and can vary depending on the context. It is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. It is also a component of table sugar (sucrose) and high-fructose corn syrup, which are commonly added to processed foods and beverages. When we consume fructose, it is metabolised differently in the body compared to other sugars like glucose. In comparison to others, fructose has a lower glycaemic, meaning it has a milder impact on blood glucose levels when consumed in moderate amounts. This is because fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver and doesn’t require insulin for uptake into cells.

However, consuming excessive amounts of fructose can still contribute to high blood glucose levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Recent researches have proved that excessive consumption of fructose, especially in the form of added sugar, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance, a key factor in Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.

High-fructose diets have been associated with increased insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Consumption of high amounts of fructose, particularly in the form of sweetened beverages, has been linked to weight gain and obesity. Furthermore, excessive fructose intake can contribute to abdominal fat deposition, which is strongly associated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.

In modern lifestyle, moderate intake from whole foods like fruits is generally considered part of a healthy diet. Whole fruits contain fibre, water, and other nutrients that help mitigate the impact of fructose on blood sugar levels, and it is advisable for individuals with diabetes to monitor their overall carbohydrate intake, including fructose, and consider portion sizes and the impact on blood glucose levels.

The main concern regarding fructose and diabetes lies in the excessive consumption of added sugars, including high-fructose corn syrup, in processed foods and sugary beverages. These added sugars can contribute to high calorie intake, weight gain, insulin resistance, and the development or worsening of diabetes.

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