Blood glucose is needed for our body to function properly. It is needed by men and women. Its entry into brain neurons and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is used in the body by bypassing the insulin pathway to:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons from the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintain iron in erythrocytes in the form needed for metabolism;
- maintenance of energy exchange;
- ATP production for neurons;
- synthesis of biologically active substances (neurotransmitters).
Glucose transport to other cells is mediated by the pancreatic hormone insulin. Its deficiency in diabetes mellitus causes a lack of glucose in the cells and an excess in the blood.
The cells of the adrenal glands and gonads are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones. For this purpose they use glucose.
The liver synthesizes fatty acids, cholesterol and activates vitamin D in the human body. It carries out all these functions thanks to glycolysis.
During starvation and muscle work, the process of glycogen synthesis is activated.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
Glycemia is the level of sugar in the blood. The normal value of this indicator is ensured by the balance of the processes of transport, use, formation and entry of glucose into the blood. A state of balance is maintained by hormones. Among them are:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Blood glucose standards range from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol/l; according to some sources, the reference limit is moved to 6. 6. The value calculated for venous blood is slightly higher than the capillary indicator.
How is low blood sugar shown?
The reason for this condition is the increased need of cells for glucose, as a result of which the process of ATP production is disrupted.
Causes of this disorder include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- Incorrectly administered insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by hyperglycemic hormone deficiency;
- disruption of the flow of sugar from the intestine;
- liver pathology;
- Hereditary diseases that result in decreased glucose production;
- alcohol addiction;
- lack of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- central nervous system disorders.
A decrease in the level of glucose coming from the intestine may be associated with absorption pathology (for example, enteritis) and nutritional starvation caused by the lack of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood glucose levels lead to nutritional deficiency of red blood cells and brain neurons, which is characterized by the following symptoms:
- pale skin;
- rapid breathing and heart rate;
- hunger;
- sweating, shivering;
- dizziness;
- passed out
In such a situation, help must be provided immediately. Blood glucose levels increase with sweets or drug injections. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar above 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is caused by a decrease in cell demand and an increase in glucose production. The reasons are:
- insulin deficiency in diabetes mellitus, pancreatic necrosis;
- hyperproduction of hormones in acromegaly - somatotropic, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and filtration damage;
- overeating and excessive sugar intake;
- exercise stress;
- sick;
- stroke, brain tumor.
The most severe consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, which is caused by excessive levels of glucose in the blood, which attracts too much fluid into the vessels. This type of coma is typical for people with diabetes mellitus complicated by kidney failure. Normally, healthy kidneys prevent blood sugar from rising above 9 mmol/L, reducing reabsorption and triggering glycosuria.
With mild hyperglycemia, pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation are triggered. This compound promotes fluid accumulation in tissues and interferes with cell function. Pathological glycosylation interferes with antibody function and causes hypoxia. By changing the antigenic nature of the protein, it can cause the formation of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- visual impairment;
- nerve sensitivity disorders;
- formation of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower leg;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- slow wound and wound regeneration.
Most of these signs characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology associated with impaired glucose absorption due to a lack of the hormone insulin.
Factors predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infection;
- take inducer drugs.
If you identify some of the listed clinical signs and risk factors, you should make an appointment with an endocrinologist.
Laboratory tests: norms, blood sugar levels in men and women
In the laboratory diagnosis of pathologies related to impaired sugar metabolism, many methods and tests are used. This includes:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determine fasting blood sugar levels;
- general urine analysis;
- blood chemistry.
A tolerance test is carried out if the diagnosis is not clear. If diabetes mellitus is established, then this test is not recommended. For the study, blood is taken on an empty stomach, and then the level is assessed after drinking a solution with sugar. Based on the data obtained, a sugar curve is formed, the level returns to normal within 2-3 hours. A reading above 11 mmol/l indicates a possible abnormality.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor the dynamics of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus, to identify latent forms and to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. The norm is up to 6% of the total hemoglobin.
The presence of sugar in a general urine test is directly influenced by the concentration of glucose in the blood. Its reabsorption is usually 1. 7 mmol per minute. The level of blood sugar above which it appears in the urine is called the renal threshold. The value is 8. 8 – 9. 9 mmol/l. Sugar that appears in the urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, however, this is not the only reason. Glucosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with decreased reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired renal proximal tubule anomalies.
The normal level is considered up to 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Medicines taken continuously can skew the results either up or down.
Improve performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- drugs for the treatment of psychiatric diseases;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- cough suppressant based on syrup.
Aspirin, aloe juice, and quinine artificially lower blood sugar values.
This study also affects female sex hormones, so taking the test before the start of menstruation should be postponed until after it ends.
Therefore, glucose has a major impact on the performance of the entire body. To prevent the disease, especially in people with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes, it is necessary to determine the concentration of sugar in the blood at least once a year, or as part of a medical examination.