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What is Liquid Glucose?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Liquid glucose is a solution of glucose suspended in liquid and sold in jars or tubs. Many companies manufacture glucose in powdered form to which water can be added to make liquid glucose, to make transportation of this product easier. This product is available from a variety of sources, depending on how one intends to use it. Medical suppliers sometimes carry it, as do some grocery stores, especially stores with a large baking section.

This monosaccharide is produced through the processing of starches such as corn and wheat. Glucose has a famously strong sugar flavor, and it plays an important role in the human body in addition to being very useful in the kitchen. Liquid glucose is an extremely pure form of glucose which has a concentrated flavor. The strength means that people must use it carefully, as it is easy to dispense too much for a particular application.

Diabetics who have extremely low blood sugar levels often need to use liquid glucose to prevent worsening hypoglycemia symptoms.
Diabetics who have extremely low blood sugar levels often need to use liquid glucose to prevent worsening hypoglycemia symptoms.

In cooking, liquid glucose is used as a sweetener in a range of foods. This product does not crystallize, sweetens evenly, helps to preserve food, and has a very low freezing point, making it appealing for things like candy and ice cream. European recipes tend to call for this ingredient more commonly, and it is more readily available in European stores for this reason. Corn syrup is similar in nature, and can be used as a replacement if liquid glucose is not available, although the recipe may come out slightly differently due to natural variations.

Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.

In medicine, liquid glucose is used when a patient has dangerously low blood sugar and a care provider wants to get blood sugar levels raised as quickly as possible. It can be administered by mouth or by injection to raise blood sugar levels. The problem of low blood sugar is most commonly seen in diabetic patients who have entered a hypoglycemic state. Diabetics are usually attentive about monitoring their blood glucose levels and adjusting their medications or sugar intake as needed to prevent complications such as hypoglycemia, but sometimes they are caught unawares.

People who have diabetes must be vigilant about monitoring their blood glucose levels.
People who have diabetes must be vigilant about monitoring their blood glucose levels.

Liquid glucose sold for medical use is often packaged in sterile containers. It is usually clear, and highly viscous. Some companies manufacture single use packages which can be used to quickly dispense glucose to a patient, while others may sell larger bottles, with people dispensing the amount as needed. Small packages may be included in first aid kits carried on ambulances and by first responders so that they can intervene quickly in a situation where someone has become hypoglycemic.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon259444

We want a powdered form of liquid glucose. Where can we find it?

vogueknit17

@DentalFloss I sort of like liquid glucose for baking, it can be more exact than using regular sugar. It does sometimes feel like I am in a laboratory and not a kitchen, but I guess that is sort of a fun idea to me.

DentalFloss

I have never heard of liquid glucose before, and it sounds sort of strange. I cannot imagine, for example, following a recipe that called for "liquid glucose" or using it as a replacement for something like sugar. It sounds a bit more like a science experiment than something for cooking.

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    • Diabetics who have extremely low blood sugar levels often need to use liquid glucose to prevent worsening hypoglycemia symptoms.
      By: Bruce Robbins
      Diabetics who have extremely low blood sugar levels often need to use liquid glucose to prevent worsening hypoglycemia symptoms.
    • Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
      By: nyul
      Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
    • People who have diabetes must be vigilant about monitoring their blood glucose levels.
      By: Monkey Business
      People who have diabetes must be vigilant about monitoring their blood glucose levels.
    • Confusion and heart palpitations are common symptoms of hypoglycemia.
      By: hriana
      Confusion and heart palpitations are common symptoms of hypoglycemia.
    • Liquid glucose can help diabetics who are experiencing hypoglycemia.
      By: librakv
      Liquid glucose can help diabetics who are experiencing hypoglycemia.
    • Changes in blood glucose levels may cause patients to experience fatigue.
      By: brankatekic
      Changes in blood glucose levels may cause patients to experience fatigue.
    • Some diabetics may require frequent insulin injections in order to control their glucose levels.
      By: yottie
      Some diabetics may require frequent insulin injections in order to control their glucose levels.