Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes on carbohydrates, enzymes, metabolic processes, and blood sugar regulation terms.

Monosaccharides

Single sugar molecules like glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Two sugar molecules linked together.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of glucose used for energy storage.

Fructose

Fruit sugar metabolized mainly in the liver.

Galactose

Sugar found in dairy that converts to glucose.

Sucrose

Table sugar made of glucose + fructose.

Maltose

Glucose + glucose; formed when starch breaks down.

Amylose

Straight-chain starch that digests slowly.

Amylopectin

Branched starch that digests quickly.

Oligosaccharides

Short carbohydrate chains found in beans.

Lactase

Enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Maltase

Enzyme that breaks down maltose.

Sucrase

Enzyme that breaks down sucrose.

Diabetes mellitus

Chronic high blood sugar due to insulin problems.

Gestational diabetes

Temporary diabetes during pregnancy.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar.

Epinephrine

Stress hormone that raises blood sugar.

Glycogen

Stored glucose in liver and muscles.

Gluconeogenesis

Making glucose from protein or fat.

Ketone bodies

Alternative fuel made when carbs are low.

Ketosis

Metabolic state where ketones are used for energy.

Acidosis

Dangerous blood acidity.

Glycemic index

How fast a food raises blood sugar.

Glycemic load

Blood sugar impact considering portion size.