Blood glucose is necessary for our body to function properly. Both men and women need it. Its entry into the neurons of the brain and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is consumed in the body without going through 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 necessary for metabolism;
- preservation of energy exchange;
- ATP production for neurons;
- synthesis of biologically active substances (neurotransmitters).
The transport of glucose to other cells is mediated by the pancreatic hormone insulin. Its deficiency in diabetes mellitus causes a lack of glucose in the cells and its excess in the blood.
The cells of the adrenal glands and gonads participate in the synthesis of steroid hormones. For these purposes they use glucose.
The liver synthesizes fatty acids, cholesterol and activates vitamin D in the human body. It performs all these functions thanks to glycolysis.
During hunger and muscle work, glycogen synthesis processes are activated.
What is the normal blood sugar level?
Blood glucose is the level of sugar in the blood. Normal values of this indicator are ensured by the balance of the processes of transport, use, formation and entry of glucose into the blood. The 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 has moved to 6. 6. The values calculated for venous blood are slightly higher than those for capillary indicators .
How does low blood sugar manifest?
The reason for this condition is the increased need of cells for glucose, as a result of which ATP production processes are disrupted.
The causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- interruption of the flow of sugars from the intestines;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases that result in decreased glucose production;
- Alcohol addiction;
- deficiency of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- disorders of the central nervous system.
A decrease in the level of glucose coming from the intestine may be associated with absorption pathology (for example, enteritis) and lack of nutrition caused by the lack of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood glucose levels cause a 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, chills;
- dizziness;
- Fainting.
In such situations, assistance must be provided immediately. Blood glucose levels increase with a sweet or an injection of medication. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar greater than 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to a decrease in cellular 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 disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and impaired filtration;
- overeating and consuming excess sugar;
- exercise stress;
- pain;
- stroke, brain tumor.
The most serious consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, caused by excessive levels of glucose in the blood, which draws 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 exceeding 9 mmol/L, which reduces reabsorption and triggers glycosuria.
With moderate hyperglycemia, the processes of pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation are triggered. This compound promotes the accumulation of fluid in tissues and alters cellular functioning. Pathological glycosylation impairs antibody function and causes hypoxia. By changing the antigenic properties of proteins, it can lead to the formation of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar levels are:
- visual disability;
- nervous sensitivity disorder;
- the formation of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities;
- frequent urination;
- General weakness;
- be strong;
- slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these signs characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology that is associated with poor glucose absorption due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors that predispose to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infections;
- taking inducing medications.
If you identify several 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 associated with disorders of sugar metabolism, many methods and tests are used. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycosylated hemoglobin;
- determine fasting blood sugar levels;
- general urine analysis;
- blood chemistry.
In case of unclear diagnosis, a tolerance test is performed. If diabetes mellitus is established, this test is not advisable. For the study, blood is drawn on an empty stomach and then the level is tested after drinking a sugar solution. From the data obtained, a sugar curve is formed, the levels of which return to normal within 2 to 3 hours. A reading greater than 11 mmol/l indicates possible deviations.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor the dynamics of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus, to identify latent forms and diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. The norm is up to 6% of the total amount of hemoglobin.
The presence of sugar in a general urine analysis is directly affected by the concentration of glucose in the blood. Its reabsorption is normally 1. 7 mmol per minute. The blood sugar level above which it appears in the urine is called the renal threshold. Its value is 8. 8 – 9. 9 mmol/l. The appearance of sugar in the urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, however, this is not the only reason. Glycosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with decreased resorption;
- with congenital or acquired anomaly of the proximal tubules of the kidneys.
A normal level is considered up to 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Medications taken continuously can distort the results up or down.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- medicines for the treatment of psychiatric diseases;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive medications;
- syrup-based cough suppressants.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar values.
These studies also influence female sex hormones, so testing before the start of menstruation should be postponed until it has ended.
Therefore, glucose has a great impact on the performance of the entire body. To prevent diseases, 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.