Re: how long does it take for sugar to get into your blood?

Hello, Mohammed.

We are sort of neighbours, as I am from Quebec, Canada.  As to your 
question on absorption rate of sugars into the bloodstream, the answer 
is, very rapidly, especially as the sugars are derived from a liquid 
source, in this case, energy drinks.  The type of sugars used are meant 
to supply one with a rapid source of energy that can be useful in short, 
intense activities, as opposed to longer duration ones.  In the latter 
case a better source of energy would be derived from complex 
carbohydrates, that are starchy foods like pasta, where the sugars are 
broken down more slowly.

The fastest rate of absorption into the bloodstream from the simplest 
sugar, called glucose, when in liquid form, would be about 6 grams in one 
minute.  When glucose comes from a more solid form, studies indicate that 
4 ounces/113 grams, would make its way into the bloodstream within 15 
minutes.  

As I indicated, more complex sugars, or those bound with fat and fibre, 
would take far longer.  A simplified index you can refer to is called the 
glycemic index.  This is a measure of how rapidly sugar enters the blood, 
and its impact on elevating blood sugar and the subsequent insulin 
response by the body.  Glucose is given a value of 100, and the speed at 
which other foods enter the blood can then be compared to it.  So if a 
food has a GI Value of 55, it means that it is absorbed at 55% the rate 
glucose is.

Hope that helps,

Peter Bosani.

Sources:  McLeod's Physiology
          American Journal of Physiology 101: 565-569, 1932.