Blood glucose is necessary for 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 for:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons from the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintaining iron in the erythrocyte 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.
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 carries out all these functions thanks to glycolysis.
During hunger and muscle work, glycogen synthesis processes are activated.
What is the normal blood sugar level?
Glycemia 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 equilibrium state 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 shifted to 6. 6. The values calculated for venous blood are slightly higher than 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 the processes of ATP production are disrupted.
Causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered dose of insulin for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- disruption 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 intestines may be associated with pathology of absorption (for example, 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, 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 are increased with a sweet or an injection of a medicine. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest?
Hyperglycemia is considered to be an increase in blood sugar more than 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to decreased cell demand and increased 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 filtration impairment;
- overeating and excess 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 renal 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 cell functioning. Pathological glycosylation disrupts the functioning of antibodies 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 are:
- visual impairment;
- nervous sensitivity disorder;
- the formation of renal failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- 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 predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- excess weight;
- infections;
- taking inducer 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 impaired sugar metabolism, many methods and tests are used. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determining 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, then this test is not advisable. 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 levels of which return to normal 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 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. Sugar appearing 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 anomaly of the proximal tubules of the kidneys.
A normal level is considered to be up to 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Medicines taken on an ongoing basis can distort the results either upward or downward.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- drugs for the treatment of psychiatric diseases;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- cough suppressants based on syrups.
Aspirin, aloe juice, and quinine artificially lower blood sugar values.
These studies also influence female sex hormones, so taking tests before the start of menstruation should be postponed until after it has ended.
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 concentration of sugar in the blood at least once a year, or as part of a medical examination.