Difference Between Glucose & Triglycerides

Both glucose and triglycerides are metabolized by the body and carried throughout the bloodstream. They both can be made into energy sources for the body. They both can also lead to life-threatening conditions if produced in excess. However, both glucose and triglycerides have different breakdowns and uses in our bodies.

Glucose

• Glucose is a metabolized form of sugar in the body. It can be found in fruits or hydrolyzed from starch. When we digest food, we break down the starch and sugar from these foods into glucose. Glucose becomes an energy source that enters into the bloodstream.

Unstable Glucose

• If the body produces too much or too little glucose, many systems and functions in the body may be affected. Diabetes is a widespread condition related to imbalanced glucose levels.

Triglycerides

• Triglycerides are the product of animal and vegetable fats stored by the body. The substance is made of three fatty acids combine with glycerol.Triglycerides are not only produced by eating fats, but also by eating carbohydrates. In the human body, these are carried through the blood stream and are used as an energy source.

Unstable Triglycerides

• High triglycerides in the blood stream is defined as hypertriglyceridemia. It's linked to an increase of cardiovascular disease, obesity and pancreatitis. It is possible that diabetes is another consequence of high triglycerides.

Taking Control of Both

• Your doctor can perform simple blood tests to determine your glucose and triglyceride levels. If your levels are higher than recommended, both can be lowered by a sensible diet and daily exercise; in some cases medication may be required.