Blood sugar is necessary for our body to function properly. Both men and women need it. Its entry into brain neurons and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is consumed in the body by bypassing the insulin pathway to:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons from the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintain 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 lack of glucose in the cells and an excess of it 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 the normal blood sugar level?
Blood sugar is the sugar level in the blood. Normal values of this indicator are provided 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 these are:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Standard blood sugar values range from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol/l, according to some sources the reference limit is moved 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 for glucose by cells, as a result of which the processes of ATP production are disrupted.
The causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- interruption of the flow of sugars from the intestine;
- liver diseases;
- hereditary diseases that lead to a decrease in glucose production;
- alcohol addiction;
- deficiency of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- central nervous system disorders.
A decrease in the level of glucose coming from the intestine can be associated with absorption pathologies (for example enteritis) and a nutritional deficit caused by the deficiency of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood glucose levels lead to a 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;
- fainting.
In such situations, assistance must be provided immediately. Blood glucose levels increase when you eat a candy or inject a medicine. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest itself?
Hyperglycemia is considered to be an increase in blood sugar levels above 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to the decrease in cellular demand and the 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 filtration impairment;
- overeating and excessive sugar intake;
- physical effort;
- Ache;
- 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 of 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 fluids in the tissues and interrupts cellular 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;
- disorder of nervous sensitivity;
- 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 associated with reduced glucose absorption due to deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors that predispose to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- excess weight;
- infections;
- take inducing drugs.
If you identify many of the clinical signs and risk factors listed, you should make an appointment with an endocrinologist.
Laboratory tests: norms, blood sugar levels in men and women
Numerous methods and tests are used in the laboratory diagnosis of pathologies associated with impaired sugar metabolism. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determine fasting blood sugar levels;
- general urinalysis;
- blood chemistry.
In case of unclear diagnosis, a tolerance test is carried out. If diabetes mellitus is diagnosed, this test is not advisable. For the study, blood is drawn on an empty stomach, 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 influenced 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 presence of sugar in the urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, however, this is not the only reason. Glycosuria in some cases develops:
- in pregnant women with reduced 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 drugs can affect test results?
Medicines taken continuously can skew results both upwards and downwards.
Increase performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- drugs for the treatment of psychiatric diseases;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- syrup-based cough suppressants.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar levels.
These studies also affect female sex hormones, so it is necessary to postpone tests before the start of menstruation until after their end.
Therefore, 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.