Blood sugar is necessary for our bodies to function normally. It is necessary for both men and women. Its entry into brain neurons and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is consumed by the body through the insulin pathway to:
- protects red blood cells and neurons from the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintains iron in red blood cells 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 pancreatic insulin. Its deficiency in diabetes causes a lack of glucose in the cells and an excess in the blood.
Cells of the adrenal 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 through glycolysis.
With hunger and muscle activity, glycogen synthesis is activated.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
Blood sugar is the level of sugar in the blood. The normal value of this index is ensured by the balance of the processes of transporting, using, forming and delivering glucose into the blood. Equilibrium is maintained by hormones. Among them are:
- hypoglycemia (insulin);
- hyperglycemia (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. Calculated values for venous blood are slightly higher than those forcapillary index.
How does low blood sugar manifest?
The cause of this condition is that the cell's need for glucose increases, as a result of which ATP production is interrupted.
Causes of these disorders include:
- increased insulin production in tumors (insulinoma);
- Improper insulin injection for diabetes;
- Adrenal insufficiency due to hyperglycemic hormone deficiency;
- disruption of sugar flow from the intestines;
- liver disease;
- genetic diseases leading to reduced glucose production;
- Alcoholism;
- deficiency of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- disorders of the central nervous system.
Decreased intestinal glucose output may be related to malabsorption (e. g. enteritis) and malnutrition due to deficiency of this factor. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar levels lead to nutritional deficiencies of red blood cells and brain neurons, which are characterized by the following symptoms:
- pale skin;
- rapid breathing and heart rate;
- starvation;
- sweating, chills;
- dizzy;
- faint.
In such situations, assistance must be provided immediately. Blood sugar levels increase when consuming sweets or injecting drugs. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar levels of more than 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to reduced cellular demand and increased glucose production. The reason is:
- Insulin deficiency in diabetes, pancreatic necrosis;
- Hormonal hyperplasia in acromegaly - somatotropic disease, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and filtration failure;
- eating too much and drinking too much sugar;
- strenuous exercise;
- pain;
- stroke, brain tumor.
The most serious consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, which is caused by too high a concentration of glucose in the blood, drawing too much fluid into the blood vessels. This type of coma is common in people with diabetes complicated by kidney failure. Normally, healthy kidneys prevent blood sugar levels from rising above 9 mmol/L, reducing reabsorption and causing glycosuria.
With moderate hyperglycemia, the processes of pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation are activated. This compound promotes fluid accumulation in tissues and disrupts cell activity. Pathological glycosylation disrupts antibody activity 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:
- blind;
- nervous sensitivity disorder;
- the formation of kidney failure;
- Nutritional disorders in the tissues of the lower limbs;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- Slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these signs are specific to diabetes, a disease of endocrine etiology associated with impaired glucose absorption due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors that influence the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infection;
- Use induction medication.
If you identify some of the clinical signs and risk factors listed, you should make an appointment with an endocrinologist.
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. Including:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determine fasting blood sugar levels;
- General urinalysis;
- blood chemistry.
A tolerance test is performed in cases where the diagnosis is unclear. If diabetes has been identified, this test is not recommended. For the study, blood was taken on an empty stomach and then levels were assessed after drinking a sugary solution. Based on the data obtained, a sugar curve is formed, the level of which will return to normal within 2–3 hours. Values above 11 mmol/l indicate possible bias.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor hyperglycemia in people with diabetes, identify underlying forms, and diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women. The norm is up to 6% of the total amount of hemoglobin.
The presence of sugar in a urine test is generally directly affected by the blood glucose concentration. Its reabsorption is usually 1. 7 mmol per minute. Blood sugar levels that are higher than those that appear in the urine are called the renal threshold. Its value is 8. 8 – 9. 9 mmol/l. Sugar appearing in the urine can be a sign of diabetes, but this is not the only cause. Glucosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with reduced reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired defects of the proximal tubule of the kidney.
Normal levels are considered up to 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Medication used continuously may skew the results up or down.
Increasing productivity:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- medications to treat mental illness;
- Oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- cough suppressants based on syrup.
Aspirin, aloe vera juice, and quinine artificially lower blood sugar levels.
These studies also affect female sex hormones, so testing before the start of menstruation should be postponed until the end.
Therefore, glucose has a great impact on the functioning of the entire body. To prevent disease, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to diabetes, blood sugar levels should be determined at least once a year or during a physical examination.