A Different Way to Look at Oxidation and Reducton

Oxidation and Reduction

Glucose is a simple sugar that provides, in small steps, a way to produce energy (ATP) . Cellular Oxidation or Cellular Respiration is:  Oxygen + Glucose breaks down into Carbon Dioxide and Water and Energy. The reverse of this equation is Photosynthesis where the Energy is supplied by the Sun that raises an Electron to a Higher Energy Level.

Oxidation is a gain of Oxygen
Reduction is a loss of Oxygen

That explains Oxidation and Reduction. It also means, in an Equation, if something is Oxidized then something else is Reduced. There are Cycles in our cells that make this possible by rearranging atoms and molecules to make  it all possible.

This means there is another way to state what happens to a atom or molecule in an Oxidation and Reduction reaction.

Here is a summary of the different ways to view Oxidation and Reduction.

Oxidation is:

A Gain of Oxygen
A Loss of Electrons
A Loss of Hydrogen

Reduction is:

A Loss of Oxygen
A Gain of Electrons
A Gain of Hydrogen

Household Cleaner, like Chlorine Bleach, is a good way to see Oxidation and Reduction in action. Chlorine, by itself, likes to steal electrons from whatever it touches. If it grabs an electron form something else, the Chlorine atom is reduced. The substance that losses its electron is oxidized. That why they say Chlorine Bleach is a great oxidizing agent used in cleaning.

To the Chemists, well, it is a little simple.

If you look at The Periodic Table that lists all the Elements you find an arrangement of particles found in each element. These particles make up the nucleus of each and every atom and contribute to a hazy electron cloud that surrounds each atom.

The nucleus is comprised of Protons (+) and Neutrons (No Charge) while the Cloud contains Electrons ( - ). In elemental form each atom of an element is neutral as far as a electrical charge.

Chlorine is placed in a group of elements that are very reactive. (They all like to steal electrons)
Why? In nature we all try to achieve an equilibrium of comfort. Thats life! Atoms have a different way to achieve comfort.

In an atom, when it is "neutral" as far as charge is concerned,  the number of Protons (+) in the nucleus is the same as the number of Electrons ( -)  zipping about in the electron Cloud. The overall charge is Zero on the Chlorine Atom. Why can't Chlorine just behave itself?

For an Element, like Chlorine, the Electrons whirl about the Chlorine Nucleus in several different rings or Energy Levels. To achieve stability, hence peace and quiet, an atom needs just 8 electrons in that outermost ring. Chlorine only has 7 electrons in its outermost ring. It is so reactive it steals another electron from some other element.

Keep in mind, the  number of Protons in the Nucleus doesn't change. Forget the Neutrons for this discussion.

When Chlorine "steals" an Electron from some other Element it now has 8 Electrons in its outermost Energy Level. It now has achieved electronic stability. Now,the overall Charge on the Chlorine Atom, before stealing, was Zero. What is it now? Remember, originally the number of Protons and Electrons were the same. If you add one electron the overall charge on the Chlorine is a negative ( - ) 1.  Due to stealing the electron the Chlorine Oxidizing Agent (used in disinfecting or cleaning) is Reduced (gained an electron) and become a negatively charged Ion! Therefore, all Elements or Molecules with an overall Charge are ions. Some simple and some Complex!

A Sodium Atom is the opposite of a Chlorine Atom. Sodium, using a line of reasoning like for Chlorine, needs to lose an Electron for stability. Guess where Chlorine got its Electron it needed. You are right! From Sodium. Sodium now has an overall Positive charge and become a positive charged Ion. When Table Salt is formed a Chlorine ion and a Sodium Ion unite in what is an Electrostatic Bond that forms a molecule of Sodium Chloride.

Isn't this fun! Since Chlorine was reduced by gaining an electron the Sodium is the Reducing Agent and Sodium was Oxidized (lost its electron) to Chlorine. Hence Chlorine is the Oxidizing Agent.

Whew! See how easy this was? I will leave the discussion now. The above is an Oxidation - Reduction Reaction. One of many that occur in the Oxidation of Glucose to eventually form ATP, a source of storable chemical energy.

Pre-diabetic - Several Screening Tests to Take

Diabetes or Pre diabetes or Normal - Screening Tests

If you belong to a group of people that have a higher than normal risk for developing diabetes you need to consult with a Diabetologist for screening. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans are groups that are at risk.

As one ages you are susceptible for developing pre diabetes as the groups above.

All of these blood glucose tests, mentioned below,determine whether you are normal, pre diabetic or diabetic.

One test is the A1C. If your percent value is less than 5.7% you are normal. If your percent value is equal to or greater than 5.7% but less than 6.5% you are pre diabetic. If the percent value is equal to or above 6.5% you are diabetic.

The second test is the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG.) Less than 100 mg/dl is normal. If it is equal to or greater than 100 mg/dl but below 126 mg/dl you are pre diabetic. If it is equal to or greater than 126 mg/dl you are diabetic.

The third test is the oral glucose tolerant test ( OGTT. ) If your blood glucose is less than 140 mg/dl you are normal. If greater than 140 mg/dl but less than 200 mg/dl you are pre diabetic. If you are equal to or greater than 20 mg/dl you are diabetic.

A Diabetologist can interpret these results, from your specific test results and history, to determine whether you are normal, pre diabetic or diabetic.  

Please check with the American Diabetes Association if a Diabetologist is not available in your area.

Step Out for Diabetes - Help Raise Funds for Diabetes Research

Stepout for Diabetes

ADA

Register, Join, Check Locations in your State or Country and have a Great Time Raising Funds for Diabetes Research!

Click the Link Below!

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With you always in Diabetes Education and Fund Raising,

Jim

Diabetic Foot Problem - Charcot Joint Disease

A Serious Diabetic Foot Problem

Charcot Joint Disease

Charcot Foot is the degeneration of a weight bearing joint in the foot. It is a process of bone destruction, bone resorption and eventual deformity.

If it is left unchecked it could lead to ulceration, superinfection, loss of function of the foot , possible amputation and death.

Diabetes mellitus neuropathy (the most common in the U.S. today, resulting in destruction of foot and ankle joints), with Charcot joints in 1/600-700 diabetics. The neuropathy is related to long-term poor glucose control.

One mechanism is the loss of peripheral sensations where you can't sense touching on the ankle surface. This can lead to minute further damage to the joint called microtrauma.

The damage to the ankle is unnoticed by a diabetic. This results in inflammatory resorption of traumatized bone that causes weakness in the effected weight-bearing joint that, in turn, makes the joint susceptible to further trauma. It is a vicious cycle.

It results, from the decline in fine motor control of the joint and unnatural pressure on some joints. This leads to more microtrauma. Desensitized nerves in the ankle joint cause an increase in the blood flow to the joint. This leads to hyperimia which leads to further resorption of bone tissue. The bone resorption along with mechanical stress will cause destruction of the ankle.

If untreated or unrecognized the final result may be amputation. In the serious states infection could set in and result in death.

Please continue to consult with a Diabetologist and ask questions if you suspect numbness in the foot and ankle could lead to complications.