GLuc

Gluc is an informal shorthand for glucose, a simple sugar and essential energy source for most organisms. The term also appears as a root in biochemistry (gluc-, gluco-), used in names such as glucoside, glucuronide, and glucokinase. Glucose is a hexose monosaccharide with the formula C6H12O6 and is predominantly found as D-glucose in living systems. In solution it can exist in cyclic pyranose forms, with alpha and beta anomers.

In biology, glucose circulates in the blood as free glucose and is taken up by cells through glucose transporters (GLUT family). It is produced in the liver by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis and is consumed through glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP. Regulation of blood glucose involves hormones such as insulin and glucagon, and other factors including epinephrine and cortisol. The brain relies heavily on a steady glucose supply for energy.

Clinically, glucose measurements are central to assessing metabolic health. Fasting plasma glucose, the oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c are widely used metrics. Abnormal glucose levels can indicate diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, or other endocrine disorders. Glycosuria, the presence of glucose in urine, may occur when blood glucose exceeds the renal reabsorption capacity, typically in uncontrolled diabetes.

In chemistry and biochemistry, gluc- serves as a prefix for sugar-related structures and pathways, such as glucosides, glucuronides, and enzymes like glucokinase. Etymologically, the word derives from Greek glykys, meaning "sweet."