Clinical Significance

Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, idiopathic hypoglycemia, and pancreatic islet cell tumors. 

Glucose is the major carbohydrate present in the peripheral blood. Oxidation of glucose is the major source of cellular energy in the body. Glucose derived from dietary sources is converted to glycogen for storage in the liver or to fatty acids for storage in adipose tissue. The concentration of glucose in blood is controlled within narrow limits by many hormones, the most important of which are produced by the pancreas. 

The most frequent cause of hyperglycemia is diabetes mellitus resulting from a deficiency in insulin secretion or action. A number of secondary factors also contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. These include pancreatitis, thyroid dysfunction, renal failure, and liver disease. 

_{Source: Roche Cobas GLUC3 Method Sheet Version 3.0 2024-07}