FATE OF GLUCOSE

1. Ingested polysaccharides (starch) is converted by salivary amylase into

disaccharides and dextrins
2. Disaccharide and dextrins are further catabolized by pancreatic amylase and
into absorbable monosaccharides by gut-derived enzymes like lactase, sucrase
and maltase
 NOTE: NO CHO degradation happens in the stomach since salivary amylase
is inactivated by the gastric juice (pH 1-3 due to HCl content)
3. Absorbed monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) migrate to the liver
via the hepatic portal vein and enters the bloodstream causing post-prandial
hyperglycemia.
4. Pancreatic beta cells senses hyperglycemia and secretes insulin
5. Insulin-mediated activities: glycolysis, glycogenesis and lipogenesis are
stimulated
6. Glucose level normalizes to baseline level (normoglycemia). This entire process
takes an average of two hours for most adults.