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Blood sugar

By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com

Updated February 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Sugar, in the form of glucose, enters the bloodstream when food is digested. This is known as blood sugar, or blood glucose. The body uses the glucose for energy. Insulin moves the glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where the body can use it for energy.

People with diabetes have trouble with high blood sugar because either their pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or their cells are resistant to insulin.

Also Known As: Blood glucose
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