Glucose metabolism, cellular

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, acts to maintain blood glucose levels within normal limits (60-120 mg/dL). This is accomplished by die release of small amounts of insulin into die bloodstream tiirough-out the day in response to changes in blood glucose levels. Insulin is essential for die utilization of glucose in cellular metabolism and for die proper metabolism of protein and fat. 

FIGURE 49-1. Normal glucose metabolism. Once insulin binds with receptors on the cell membrane, glucose can move into the cell, promoting cellular metabolism and energy production. 

Apart from the energy and reducing power derived from these reactions, the pathway also provides carbon skeletons for the synthesis of cellular structures. The energy provided by this pathway is used to drive the synthetic processes of the cell, and the EMP pathway is the major route for glucose metabolism. However, there are specialised alternative routes by which glucose may be metabolised and the reader is referred to specialised biochemical texts for an account of these(l7,28). 

Glucose Homeostasis, Chemistry of Lipid Homeostasis, Chemistry of Metabolic Labelling of Sugars Metabolism, Cellular Organisation Nucleic Acid Metabolism, Chemistry of... 

Glucose-Metabolism Stimulation of cellular glucose uptake Inhibition of glycogenolysis Inhibition of gluconeogenesis... 

The metabolic fate of glucose in the cytoplasmic space depends on a variety of factors. Beside the type of cells by which glucose is extracted from the extracellular compartment, factors like state of feeding, level of exercise, and the concentration of blood hormones known to exert an action on glucose metabolism, are involved in cellular glucose homeostasis (Devlin, 1992). 

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