Medical Uses of Dextrose
The human body runs on energy, and the energy it needs is provided in the form of a simple sugar created in the liver that courses through the blood system to supply cells with fuel — glucose. When the human body is not able to produce adequate amounts of glucose, cells react negatively and medical intervention is often necessary. To answer that call, dextrose is available. Like glucose, dextrose is a simple sugar the body absorbs rapidly to stabilize its myriad functions.
Dextrose’s Role in Medicine
Dextrose and glucose are chemically identical, meaning the body utilizes them in the same manner. Therefore, an intravenous dose of dextrose delivers a rapid response. Depending on the nature of the disorder, varied amounts of dextrose may be necessary to bring the body back into homeostatic equilibrium.
Carbohydrate Supplement: Dextrose is also used to provide carbohydrate calories to a person who cannot eat because of illness, trauma, or other medical condition.
Dehydration: Rapid loss of fluids is generally thought to occur with exercise but is also evident in burn victims and other medical disorders. Along with water, the body loses important chemicals. Dextrose is often given intravenously to combat dehydration.
Nutritional Supplement: The body relies on proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to function. As a carbohydrate, dextrose fills that need and is often supplemented with a form of protein and fat to offer total parenteral nutrition. Patients suffering from trauma, illness, or medical conditions that prevent them from either eating a proper amount of calories or malnourishment may require an injection of dextrose.
Diabetes Control: Patients with diabetes mellitus who take insulin and neglect to eat afterward may experience insulin shock. Low blood sugar causes mental confusion, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and weakness.
Blood Potassium Level Control: A high blood potassium level can throw off the tenuous balance of the body’s electrolytes. When dextrose is given, cells eagerly accept it from the bloodstream, inadvertently accepting potassium at the same time. As the potassium leaves the bloodstream, blood potassium levels return to normal.
Alcohol Overconsumption: Excessive alcohol ingestion can cause sickness, and dextrose can counter that effect.
Oral Dextrose: Diabetic patients or those with hypoglycemia may supplement their intake of nutrients with dextrose tablets or gels.
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