Blood sugar is necessary for our body to function properly. 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 against the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintain iron in erythrocytes in the form necessary for metabolism;
- preservation of energy exchanges;
- ATP production for neurons;
- synthesis of biologically active substances (neurotransmitters).
The transport of glucose to other cells is ensured by the pancreatic hormone insulin. Its deficiency in diabetes mellitus causes a lack of glucose in cells and its excess in the blood.
The cells of the adrenal glands 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 of these functions through glycolysis.
During hunger and muscle work, the processes of glycogen synthesis are activated.
What is normal blood sugar level?
Blood sugar is the level of sugar in the blood. Normal values of this indicator are ensured by the balance of the processes of transportation, utilization, formation and entry of glucose into the blood. The state of balance is maintained by hormones. Among them are:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticoids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Blood sugar 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 hypoglycemia manifest?
The reason for this condition is the increased need of cells for glucose, which disrupts the processes of ATP production.
Causes of these disorders include:
- hyperproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose for diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by hyperglycemic hormone deficiency;
- disruption of the flow of sugars from the intestines;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases leading to decreased glucose production;
- Alcohol dependence;
- deficiency of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- central nervous system disorders.
A decrease in the level of glucose from the intestines may be associated with absorption pathology (for example, enteritis) and lack of nutrition caused by a lack of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar results in 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 should be provided immediately. Blood sugar increases with a candy or medication injection. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest?
Hyperglycemia is considered an increase in blood sugar levels above 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to 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 - somatotropic, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- renal failure and filtration disorders;
- overeating and consuming too much sugar;
- physical stress;
- pain;
- stroke, brain tumor.
The most serious consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, caused by excessive blood glucose levels drawing 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 sugar levels from exceeding 9 mmol/L, thereby reducing reabsorption and triggering glycosuria.
In case of moderate hyperglycemia, the processes of pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation are triggered. This compound promotes the accumulation of fluid in tissues and disrupts cellular functioning. Pathological glycosylation disrupts antibody function 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 kidney failure;
- trophic disorders of 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 impaired glucose absorption due to deficiency of the hormone insulin.
Factors predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infections;
- take inducing 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;
- determine fasting blood sugar;
- general urine analysis;
- blood chemistry.
A tolerance test is carried out in the event of an unclear diagnosis. If diabetes mellitus is established, this test is not recommended. For the study, blood is taken on an empty stomach, then the level is assessed after drinking a sugar-containing solution. 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 can reach 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 to 9. 9 mmol/l. Sugar appearing in urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, but this is not the only reason. Glucosuria develops in some cases:
- in pregnant women with decreased reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired abnormality 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?
Medications taken continuously can skew the results upwards or downwards.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- medicines for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive medications;
- cough suppressants based on syrups.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar levels.
These studies also influence female sex hormones, which is why tests performed before the start of menstruation should be postponed until after menstruation.
So, glucose has a huge impact on the performance of the whole 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.