Our body needs blood glucose to function properly. Both men and women need it. It is important that it enters brain neurons and red blood cells.
Glucose is consumed in the body bypassing the insulin pathway:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- keep iron in the form needed for metabolism in erythrocytes;
- protection of energy exchange;
- ATP production for neurons;
- synthesis of biologically active substances (neurotransmitters).
The transport of glucose to other cells is carried out by the pancreatic hormone insulin. In diabetes, its deficiency 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. They use glucose for these purposes.
The liver synthesizes fatty acids, cholesterol and activates vitamin D in the human body. It performs all these functions thanks to glycolysis.
Glycogen synthesis processes are activated during starvation and muscle work.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
Glycemia is the level of sugar in the blood. The normal values of this indicator are provided by the balance of the processes of glucose transport, use, formation and entry into the blood. The state of equilibrium is maintained by hormones. Among them:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Blood glucose standards vary from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol / l, according to some sources, the reference limit is moved to 6. 6. Values calculated for venous blood are slightly higher than capillary values.
How does low blood sugar manifest itself?
The reason for this situation is the increase in the cells' need for glucose, as a result of which ATP production processes are disturbed.
Causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrect insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a lack of hyperglycemic hormones;
- disruption of the flow of sugar from the intestines;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases resulting in a decrease in glucose production;
- alcohol addiction;
- lack of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- disorders of the central nervous system.
A decrease in the level of glucose from the intestines can be associated with an absorption pathology (for example, enteritis) and food starvation caused by a lack of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood glucose levels lead to malnutrition 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;
- don't faint.
In such situations, emergency assistance should be provided. The blood glucose level increases with a sweet or drug injection. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest itself?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar over 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is associated with 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 - somatotrope, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and filtration disorder;
- 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 veins. This type of coma is typical for people with diabetes complicated by kidney failure. Normally, healthy kidneys prevent blood sugar from rising above 9 mmol/L, reducing reabsorption and causing glycosuria.
Pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation processes are triggered by moderate hyperglycemia. This compound contributes to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and disrupts cellular activity. Pathological glycosylation impairs antibody activity and causes hypoxia. It can cause autoimmune diseases by changing the antigenic properties of proteins.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- visual impairment;
- violation of nerve sensitivity;
- formation of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- slow recovery of cuts and wounds.
Most of these symptoms characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology associated with impaired glucose absorption due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infections;
- administration of 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 sugar metabolism disorders. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determine the level of fasting blood sugar;
- general urinalysis;
- blood chemistry.
In case of an unclear diagnosis, a tolerance test is performed. If diabetes is detected, this test is not recommended. Blood is taken for the study on an empty stomach, then the level is assessed after drinking a solution with sugar. According to the obtained data, a sugar curve is formed, the levels of which return to normal within 2-3 hours. An indicator above 11 mmol/l indicates possible deviations.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor the dynamics of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes, to identify hidden 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 general urine test is directly affected by the concentration of glucose in the blood. Its reabsorption is normally 1. 7 mmol per minute. The level of blood sugar that 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. Glucosuria develops in some cases:
- in pregnant women with a decrease in reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired anomalies of the proximal tubules of the kidneys.
The normal level is considered up to 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Regularly taken drugs can distort the results upwards or downwards.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders;
- oral contraceptives prescribed for women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- antitussives based on syrups.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar.
These studies also affect female sex hormones, so testing before menstruation should be postponed until it ends.
Thus, glucose has a great influence on the functioning of the whole body. It is necessary to determine the concentration of sugar in the blood at least once a year or as part of a medical examination to prevent diseases, especially in people with a hereditary tendency to diabetes.