Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is one of the body's main methods of delivering energy to the cells in the body. When food is ingested, the body reacts by spiking blood sugar levels. Glucose is then transported around the body and used for energy by the cells.
Glucose is also a key player in the process of breaking down food into usable nutrients, and it can be stored as fat or used to create energy when needed. The pancreas detects blood glucose and releases insulin to regulate it. When the body is functioning properly, these work together in a delicate symbiosis known as homeostasis.
Unfortunately, nowadays the typical American diet is very high in processed carbohydrates, unhealthy fats and refined sugar, which can cause glucose levels to spike abnormally. The body therefore has to work overtime in order to bring back balance to blood sugar and insulin levels.