Carbohydrates: Types, Functions, and Health Impacts

Carbohydrates

Main energy source, providing 4 calories/gram.

Glucose

Preferred energy source, used to produce ATP.

Glycogen

Stored glucose in liver and muscles.

Photosynthesis

Process plants use to synthesize glucose.

Monosaccharides

Basic units of carbohydrates; single sugar molecules.

Fructose

Fruit sugar, converted to glucose by the liver.

Galactose

Sugar in milk, also converted to glucose.

Disaccharides

Formed from two monosaccharides bonding together.

Sucrose

Table sugar; glucose bonded to fructose.

Lactose

Milk sugar; glucose bonded to galactose.

Maltose

Malt sugar; glucose bonded to glucose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates with many glucose units.

Amylose

Straight-chain starch composed of glucose units.

Amylopectin

Branched-chain starch, more digestible than amylose.

Dietary Fiber

Indigestible carbohydrates; includes cellulose and lignin.

Glycogen Storage

Liver stores 400 kcal; muscles store 1400 kcal.

Amylase

Enzyme that digests starch; found in saliva.

Maltase

Enzyme that digests maltose into two glucoses.

Sucrase

Enzyme that digests sucrose into glucose and fructose.

Lactase

Enzyme that digests lactose into glucose and galactose.

Common Starches

Includes amylose, amylopectin, and glycogen.

Flour

Ground wheat; staple ingredient rich in carbohydrates.

Fiber

Aids in digestion by adding bulk to feces.

Low-fiber diet

Increases risk of gastrointestinal disorders.

Insoluble Fiber

Adds bulk and water to stool.

Soluble Fiber

Fermentable by bacteria, reduces cholesterol.

Cholesterol Absorption

Reduced by soluble fiber intake.

Satiety

Feeling of fullness after a meal.

Functional Fiber

Added fiber for improved health benefits.

Prebiotics

Stimulate growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Daily Fiber Intake (Women)

25 grams recommended per day.

Daily Fiber Intake (Men)

38 grams recommended per day.

Fiber per 1,000 kcal

Goal of 14 grams recommended.

Diverticula

Pouches in the large intestine wall.

Diverticulosis

Condition of having multiple diverticula.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticula from bacterial acids.

Glycemic Index (GI)

Measures food's effect on blood glucose levels.

Glucose

Primary energy source for red blood cells.

Hyperglycemia

Blood glucose above 125 mg/dL.

Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose below 40-50 mg/dL.

Liver Function

Regulates glucose entering the bloodstream.

Pancreas Function

Releases insulin to lower blood glucose.

Whole Grain Foods

Contain bran, germ, and endosperm.

Refined Grains

Only contain the endosperm, fewer nutrients.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose in liver and muscles.

Glucagon

Hormone that raises blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune disease; insulin production stops.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance; often linked to obesity.

Prediabetes

Fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL; HbA1c 5.7%-6.4%.

Diabetic Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar; symptoms after insulin use.

Metabolic Syndrome

Cluster of conditions increasing diabetes risk.

Extreme Thirst

Common symptom of diabetes; indicates high glucose.

Frequent Urination

Excessive urination due to high blood sugar.

Drowsiness

Lethargy often associated with high blood sugar.

Fruity Breath Odor

Characteristic symptom of uncontrolled diabetes.

Insulin Therapy

Treatment for Type 1 diabetes; provides insulin.

Diet Therapy

Nutritional management for diabetes control.

Insulin Pumps

Devices for continuous insulin delivery.

Sorbitol

Low-calorie sweetener; laxative effect in excess.

Xylitol

Low-calorie sweetener; prevents tooth decay.

Saccharin

Artificial sweetener; 300-500 times sweeter than sugar.

Aspartame

Artificial sweetener; 180-200 times sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose

600 times sweeter than sugar; heat stable.

Gluconeogenesis

Conversion of noncarbohydrates into glucose.

Epinephrine

Hormone released during stress; raises blood glucose.

Heavy Breathing

Symptom of severe diabetes complications.

Stupor

Altered consciousness due to severe blood sugar imbalance.