Blood glucose is necessary for our body to function properly. It is necessary for both men and women. Its entry into brain neurons and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is consumed in the body bypassing the insulin pathway to:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons from the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintenance of iron in the erythrocyte in the form necessary for metabolism;
- preservation of energy metabolism;
- 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 cells and its excess in the blood.
The cells of the adrenal glands and gonads are involved 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 a normal blood sugar level?
Glycemia is the level of sugar in the blood. Normal values of this indicator are guaranteed 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).
Glycemia standards vary from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol/l, according to some sources the reference limit is shifted 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 for glucose by cells, as a result of which ATP production processes are disrupted.
Causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- interruption of the flow of sugars from the intestines;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases that result in decreased glucose production;
- alcohol dependence;
- deficiency 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 (e. g. enteritis) and nutritional starvation caused by a 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, characterized by the following symptoms:
- pale skin;
- rapid breathing and heart rate;
- hunger;
- sweating, chills;
- dizziness;
- faint.
In these situations, assistance must be provided immediately. Blood glucose levels increase with a sweet treat 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's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- renal failure and impaired filtration;
- overeating and excessive sugar intake;
- 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 rising above 9 mmol/L, reducing reabsorption and triggering 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 disrupts cellular functioning. Pathological glycosylation disrupts antibody function and causes hypoxia. By altering the antigenic properties of proteins, it can lead to the formation of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- Visual impairment;
- nervous sensitivity disorder;
- the formation of renal failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- thirst strong;
- slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these signs characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology that is associated with impaired glucose absorption due to deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors that predispose to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infections;
- take induction medications.
If you identify several of the clinical signs and risk factors listed, make an appointment with an endocrinologist.
Laboratory tests: norms, blood sugar levels in men and women
In laboratory diagnosis of pathologies associated with impaired sugar metabolism, many methods and tests are used. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- Glycated hemoglobin;
- determination of fasting blood sugar levels;
- general urine analysis;
- blood chemistry.
A tolerance test is carried out in case of unclear diagnosis. 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 assessed after drinking a sugar solution. Based on the data obtained, a sugar curve is formed, the levels of which return to normal within 2 to 3 hours. A reading above 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 test 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, but this is not the only reason. Glycosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with decreased reabsorption;
- 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 skew results up or down.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- medicines for treating psychiatric illnesses;
- prescribed oral contraceptives for women;
- antihypertensive medications;
- syrup-based cough suppressants.
Aspirin, aloe vera juice and quinine artificially reduce blood sugar values.
These studies also influence female sex hormones, therefore, taking tests before the start of menstruation should be postponed until after it ends.
Thus, glucose has a huge 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 blood sugar concentration at least once a year, or as part of a medical examination.