Description
Glucose (C6H12O6) is a ubiquitous fuel molecule in biology. It is oxidized through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions to form carbon dioxide and water, yielding the universal energy molecule ATP. Due to its importance in metabolism, glucose level is a key diagnostic parameter for many metabolic disorders. Increased glucose levels have been associated with diabetes mellitus, hyperactivity of thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands. Decreased levels are found in insulin secreting tumors, myxedema, hypopituitarism and hypoadrenalism