Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Glucose uptake
Introduction
Glucose uptake is the process by which glucose is transported into cells through active transport. Though some glucose does enter cells through passive diffusion, the process is too slow to allow for adequate control of blood glucose levels and energy utilization. Glucose uptake is inititated by insulin and is mediated by the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), the primary transport of glucose in adipocytes and skeletal muscle myocytes.