Carbohydrate Absorption

Carbohydrate absorption refers to the physiological process by which the end products of carbohydrate digestion—primarily monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, and fructose)—are transported from the lumen of the small intestine into the bloodstream. This process is essential for providing energy to cells throughout the body. It involves various transporters like SGLT1 and GLUT2, and is regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon. Impairments can lead to malabsorption syndromes or contribute to metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

Other names

Monosaccharide AbsorptionSugar AbsorptionIntestinal Carbohydrate Uptake

SGLT2 inhibitors reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidney, leading to increased glucose excretion in the urine. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes in the small intestine, delaying glucose absorption.