The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Sugar often appears in our diet, but not all types of sugar affect our bodies in the same way. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose are all sugars with distinct structures, and each plays a different role in how we process energy and maintain metabolic health. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed dietary choices and better manage your glucose levels. Let’s break down how these sugars work, their differences, and why it matters for your health.
Glucose: Your body’s preferred fuel
Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as your body’s primary source of energy. When you eat carbohydrates—whether from whole grains, fruits, or processed foods—your body breaks them down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. This raises glucose levels and signals your pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose for energy.
Glucose is essential for brain function, muscle activity, and overall bodily functions. However, consistently high glucose levels can lead to insulin resistance and conditions like diabetes. That’s why tracking glucose levels is key to maintaining stable energy and long-term health. A glucose biosensor like Stelo provides 24/7 insights into how different foods affect your glucose levels, helping you make confident choices and create healthy habits.
Fructose: A sweetener found in nature (and in processed foods)
Fructose is another naturally occurring simple sugar, found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. Unlike glucose, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, fructose is metabolized primarily in the liver. This means it doesn’t cause an immediate glucose spike, but overconsumption (especially in processed forms like high-fructose corn syrup) can lead to fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.
While whole fruits contain fructose, they also provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that help slow down sugar absorption and reduce negative health effects. The key is to get your fructose from natural sources rather than processed foods and sugary beverages.
Sucrose: The table sugar you know
Sucrose is what we commonly refer to as table sugar. It’s a disaccharide, meaning it’s made up of two sugar molecules: glucose and fructose. Your body breaks sucrose down into these two components before absorbing them. While sucrose provides a quick energy boost, excessive consumption (like in sodas, baked goods, and candy) can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and insulin resistance.
Natural sources of sucrose, like fruits and vegetables, come with beneficial nutrients and fiber. However, added sucrose in processed foods can be problematic when consumed in excess.
Spotting sugar on labels
Many sugars end in “-ose”—like fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, and galactose. Checking food labels for these names can be a simple way to identify added sugars, especially if you’re not into carb counting. Keeping an eye on these can help you make more informed dietary choices and better manage your glucose levels.
Understanding sugar's impact on your health
Being mindful of your sugar intake is key to overall health. While your body needs glucose for energy, excessive sugar consumption (especially from processed sources) can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods while keeping added sugars in check can help you maintain steady energy, support metabolic health, and prevent long-term health issues.
Curated & Reviewed by: Nahom Petros
PharmD, MBA
Dr. Nahom Petros, PharmD, MBA joined the Clinical Education team at Dexcom in 2024, where he develops content that aligns with Dexcom’s mission of advancing diabetes care and innovating medical technology.
