Glucose and Its Role in Human Body

What is the primary factor that causes glucose levels to decrease by 5%-7% per hour in unprocessed blood samples?

Which of the following is a recommended way to minimize glycolysis in blood samples if immediate plasma separation is not possible?

What percentage of water do red blood cells contain?

What range is considered normal for blood glucose levels in plasma or serum?

Why is the glucose concentration in plasma higher than in whole blood?

Apart from the brain, which other cells strictly use glucose under non-starvation conditions?

Glucose as a Fuel Source

Glucose is the universal fuel for every human cell type.
It is the only fuel used by the brain under non-starvation conditions.
Red blood cells can only use glucose as a fuel source under all conditions.

Glucose Metabolism and Concentration

Glucose is the prominent carbohydrate in the metabolism of most organisms.
The body maintains a reference range of blood glucose level between 70-100 mg/dl in serum or plasma.
The glucose concentration in plasma is about 12% higher than in whole blood due to differences in water content.

Handling and Collection of Blood Samples

Glucose levels can decrease by 5-7% (5-10 mg/dl) per hour in unprocessed blood samples due to glycolysis.
Serum in contact with red blood cells without preservatives must be separated from the cells to prevent glycolysis.
Plasma should be separated from cells within 30 minutes to minimize glycolysis.
If timely separation is not possible, collecting samples in tubes with glycolysis inhibitors like citrate buffer or Sodium Fluoride (NaF) can prevent glucose degradation.

Learn about the importance of glucose as a fuel for human cells, its role in brain function, and how the body regulates blood glucose levels. Test your knowledge of glucose metabolism and its significance in the human body.