The process of glycolysis plays an important role in supporting the function of cells, tissues, and organs of the body in order to work properly. However, for some conditions, the glycolysis process can be disrupted, increasing the risk of various diseases.
Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose or sugar in the blood that involves several enzymes, including hexokinase enzymes and phosphofructokinase enzymes. now, what is the importance of the process of glycolysis and what are the effects if this process is disrupted?
The Importance of Glycolysis for Health
The body generally needs energy and nutrients to keep all cells, tissues, and organs working and functioning properly. This energy can be obtained from the sugar content in food or beverages consumed daily.
When you get sugar intake, including sugar from carbohydrate metabolism, the body will undergo a glycolysis process to convert it into energy. In addition to producing energy, this process will also produce hydrogen and the enzyme pyruvate kinase.
The process of glycolysis also plays a role in stimulating the formation of insulin, a hormone that functions to regulate blood sugar levels and help body cells use glucose as energy.
Apart from being used as fuel for cells, tissues, and organs of the body, the energy produced in the glycolysis process will also be used by the body for wound healing, repair of damaged tissues and cells, and metabolic processes.
Several Types of Diseases Due to Glycolysis Process
Disruption of the glycolysis process can cause several health problems, including:
Diabetes
The process of glycolysis can occur in various cells and body tissues, including liver cells that play a role in the process of glucose or blood sugar metabolism. When the glycolysis process is disrupted, the body will have difficulty breaking down blood sugar.
As a result, blood sugar will increase and trigger a condition called hyperglycemia. High blood sugar levels over time can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Until now, the cause of disturbances in the glycolysis process that can trigger diabetes and insulin resistance is still not known with certainty. However, this is thought to be related to genetic disorders.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease or also known as dementia is a disease that attacks the brain and can make people who experience it senile.
In severe cases, Alzheimer's disease can even make the sufferer unable to move independently and not recognize his own family or closest people.
Until now, the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known with certainty. However, so far several studies have shown that there are several factors that play a role in increasing a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, including genetic factors, aging, and disorders of the body's metabolism, including disorders of the glycolysis process.
Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a disease of anemia or lack of blood due to excessive destruction of red blood cells. This disease can be caused by various things, such as genetic disorders, hemoglobin disorders, and disorders of the glycolysis process that make the body not produce enough pyruvate kinase enzymes.
Lack of the enzyme pyruvate kinase can make red blood cells become more quickly destroyed, thus triggering hemolytic anemia.
Glycolysis is the body's natural mechanism for converting sugar into energy and making good use of that energy. With glycolysis, you can carry out daily activities, from moving, walking, to eating and drinking.
If you experience symptoms of weakness, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, or other symptoms that are thought to arise due to a disturbance in the glycolysis process, immediately consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.