Blood glucose is needed by our body to function properly. It is needed by 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;
- conservation 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 shortage of glucose in the 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 starvation 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 provided by the balance of the processes of transportation, use, formation and entry of glucose into the blood. The equilibrium state is maintained by hormones. Among them are:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Blood glucose norms vary from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol / l, according to some sources, the reference limit is shifted to 6. 6 Values calculated for venous blood are slightly higher than those for capillary indicators.
How does low blood sugar manifest itself?
The cause of this condition is the cells' increased need for glucose, as a result of which ATP production processes are disrupted.
The reasons for these violations include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered dose of insulin in diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- disruption of the outflow of sugars from the intestines;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases that lead to reduced glucose production;
- alcohol dependence;
- 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 can 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 sugar 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, chills;
- vertigo;
- seizure.
In such situations, help should be provided immediately. Blood sugar levels are raised with a sweet or an injection of medicine. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest itself?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar above 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to the reduced demand of the cells and the increased production of glucose. 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 severe consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, 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 glucose from rising above 9 mmol/L, reducing reabsorption and causing glycosuria.
With moderate hyperglycemia, the processes of pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation are triggered. This compound promotes the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and disrupts the functioning of the cells. Pathological glycosylation impairs antibody function and causes hypoxia. By changing the antigenic properties of proteins, this can lead to the formation of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- visual impairment;
- disorder of nervous sensitivity;
- the formation of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower limbs;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these signs characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology, which is associated with impaired absorption of glucose due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- Overweight;
- infections;
- taking induction drugs.
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
Many methods and tests are used in the laboratory diagnosis of pathologies related to impaired sugar metabolism. They include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determination of fasting blood sugar levels;
- general analysis of urine;
- blood biochemistry.
In case of an unclear diagnosis, a tolerance test is conducted. If diabetes mellitus is detected, this test is not recommended. For the test, blood is taken on an empty stomach and then the level is assessed after drinking a sugar solution. Based on the obtained data, a sugar curve is formed, the levels of which are normalized within 2-3 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 to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. The norm is up to 6% of the total amount of hemoglobin.
The presence of sugar in the total 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. Its value is 8. 8 - 9. 9 mmol/l. The appearance of sugar in the urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, but it is not the only cause. Glycosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with reduced reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired abnormality 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 that are taken continuously can skew the results both up and down.
Increases productivity:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- cough suppressants based on syrups.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar levels.
These tests also affect female sex hormones, so taking tests before the onset of menstruation should be postponed until its completion.
In this way, glucose has a huge impact on the functioning 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.