Glucose is the most well-known and common of the eight essential sugars needed for optimal health and functioning. Found in both plants and animals, glucose is an extremely important monosaccharide as it is used as the primary source of energy. Table sugar is composed of glucose and fructose (not to be confused with fucose) and is prevalent in a whole host of processed foods.

Candies, ice cream, cakes, soft drinks, pasta, bread and fruit all contain glucose. A quick energy source, glucose is released directly into the blood stream. Glucose is also important in communication between cells, calcium absorption and memory functioning.

Unlike most of the other seven essential saccharides, too much glucose can cause a host of problems. Diabetes and obesity or just two of the pitfalls of ingesting too much glucose. Too little glucose can also be problematic. Alzheimer's disease, depression, anorexia, bulimia, hypoglycemia and bi-polar disorder have all been linked to abnormally low levels of glucose.

Glucose is easily absorbed in both the intestines and kidneys and crosses blood-tissue barriers using specific membrane protein transporters. Absorption of glucose in the intestines are determine by a number of factors such as rate of gastric emptying, type of meal, intestinal hormones, and intestinal blood flow.

Glucose is excreted via the bladder but in very low percentage since much of the glucose is filtered and reabsorbed by the kidneys. The one exception is in diabetics whose glucose levels overpower the kidneys' ability for re-absorption.

It is important to note that the other seven important sugars are easily metabolized into glucose as needed for quick bursts of energy, which is important for athletes, hospital settings and many other people and settings. Cigarette smokers have also shown to benefit from ingesting glucose, which in turn, lessens the cravings.

Industrialized nations have no shortage of glucose in daily diets. Consumers ingest as much as 4-times the daily recommended dosage mainly through their processed foods and soft drinks.