Changes

==Roles in the Body==

==Roles in the Body==

All body tissues have a requirement for glucose and it must be obtained regularly from either the diet or synthesised through hepatic gluconeogenesis. <br>

All body tissues have a requirement for glucose and it must be obtained regularly from either the diet or synthesised through hepatic gluconeogenesis. <br>

Once absorbed through the intestinal epithelium, glucose enters the portal circulation and can be undergo intercellular transport for intermediate metabolism and formation of ATP. Glucose, galactose and fructose can also be used to synthesise additional molecules, such as glycogen and [[Fatty Acids Overview - Nutrition|fatty acids]]<ref name="Ebiner"/><ref name="Flatt"/>. In the absence of dietary [[Starch - Nutrition|starches]] and sugar, or during periods of starvation, hepatic gluconeogenesis can support maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations in adult animals as long as adequate amounts of [[gluconeogenic Amino Acids Overview - Nutrition|amino acids]] are present<ref name="Romsos">Romsos DR, et al. Influence of low carbohydrate diet on performance of pregnant and lactating dogs. J Nutr 1981;111:678-689.</ref>.

Once absorbed through the intestinal epithelium, glucose enters the portal circulation and can be undergo intercellular transport for intermediate metabolism and formation of ATP. Glucose, galactose and fructose can also be used to synthesise additional molecules, such as glycogen and [[Fatty Acids Overview - Nutrition|fatty acids]]<ref name="Ebiner"/><ref name="Flatt"/>. In the absence of dietary [[Starch - Nutrition|starches]] and sugar, or during periods of starvation, hepatic gluconeogenesis can support maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations in adult animals as long as adequate amounts of [[Amino Acids Overview - Nutrition|gluconeogenic amino acids]] are present<ref name="Romsos">Romsos DR, et al. Influence of low carbohydrate diet on performance of pregnant and lactating dogs. J Nutr 1981;111:678-689.</ref>.

==Consequences of Sugar Deficiency==

==Consequences of Sugar Deficiency==

==Dietary Sources==

==Dietary Sources==

Naturally occurring sugars are found in fruits, cereal grains, and pulses (i.e., legumes). Sucrose may be added to foods as sweeteners or improve texture. Sorbitol is not commonly found in commercial pet foods, but may be included in commercial pet treats or human foods to improve texture.

Naturally occurring sugars are found in fruits, cereal grains, and pulses (i.e. legumes). Sucrose may be added to foods as sweeteners or improve texture. Sorbitol is not commonly found in commercial pet foods, but may be included in commercial pet treats or human foods to improve texture.

==Diagnosing Sugar Deficiency==

==Diagnosing Sugar Deficiency==

If low to absent total carbohydrate intake with insufficient hepatic gluconeogenesis, clinical signs of hypoglycemia can occur (e.g., lethargy, depression and seizures). Blood sugar concentrations below the normal laboratory reference interval (< 5 mmol/L) may be noted on serum biochemistry profiles.  

If low to absent total carbohydrate intake with insufficient hepatic gluconeogenesis, clinical signs of hypoglycemia can occur (e.g. lethargy, depression and [[seizures]]). Blood sugar concentrations below the normal laboratory reference interval (< 5 mmol/L) may be noted on serum biochemistry profiles.

==References==

==References==

<references/>

<references/>

[[Category:Carbohydrates]]

[[Category:Carbohydrates]]