Blood sugar 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 used in the body, bypassing the insulin pathway, for:
- protecting 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 leads to a lack of glucose in cells and an excess in the blood.
Cells of the adrenal glands and gonads are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones. They use glucose for this purpose.
The liver synthesizes fatty acids, cholesterol and activates vitamin D in the human body. Thanks to glycolysis, it performs all of these functions.
When there is hunger and muscle work, glycogen synthesis processes are activated.
What is 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 state of balance is maintained by hormones. Among them are:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
Blood sugar standards range from 3. 3 to 5. 5 mmol/l, according to some sources, the reference limit shifts to 6. 6. The calculated values for venous blood are slightly higher than for capillary indicators.
How does a low blood sugar level manifest itself?
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.
The causes of these disorders include:
- Overproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose in diabetes mellitus;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a deficiency of hyperglycemic hormones;
- Disruption of the flow of sugar from the intestines;
- liver disease;
- Hereditary diseases that lead to reduced glucose production;
- alcohol addiction;
- Lack of vitamins (biotin) involved in glucose metabolism;
- Central nervous system disorders.
A decrease in the level of glucose from the intestine may be associated with absorption pathology (for example, enteritis) and nutrient deficiency caused by a deficiency of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar levels lead to nutrient deficiencies in 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, help must be provided immediately. Blood sugar levels are increased by a candy or an injection of medication. Lack of help can lead to coma and death.
How does high blood sugar manifest itself?
Hyperglycemia is defined as an increase in blood sugar of more than 5. 5 mmol/l. This process is due to reduced cellular demand and increased glucose production. The reasons are:
- Insulin deficiency in diabetes mellitus, pancreatic necrosis;
- Overproduction of hormones in acromegaly - somatotropy, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and filtration disorder;
- overeating and excessive sugar consumption;
- physical stress;
- Pain;
- Stroke, brain tumor.
The most serious consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, which is caused by too high a level of glucose in the blood, which draws 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 glucose from rising above 9 mmol/L, which reduces reabsorption and triggers 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 function. Pathological glycosylation disrupts the function of antibodies and causes hypoxia. Changing the antigenic properties of proteins can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- visual impairment;
- nervous sensitivity disorder;
- the development of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower extremities;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- intense thirst;
- slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these signs characterize diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology, which is associated with impaired glucose absorption due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin.
The factors predisposing to the development of this pathology include:
- genetic predisposition;
- obesity;
- infections;
- Taking inducer medications.
If you notice 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 associated with a disorder of sugar metabolism. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- Determination of fasting blood sugar levels;
- general urinalysis;
- Blood chemistry.
If the diagnosis is unclear, a tolerance test is carried out. If you have diabetes mellitus, this test is not advisable. For the study, blood is taken on an empty stomach and the level is determined after drinking a sugar solution. Based on the data obtained, a sugar curve is created, the values of which return to normal within 2-3 hours. A value above 11 mmol/l indicates possible deviations.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor the dynamics of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus, 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 at which it appears in the urine is called the renal threshold. Its value is 8. 8 – 9. 9 mmol/l. Sugar in the urine can be an indication of diabetes mellitus, but this is not the only reason. In some cases, glucosuria develops:
- in pregnant women with reduced reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired anomaly of the proximal renal tubules.
Values up to 0. 8 mmol/l are considered normal.
Which medications can affect test results?
Medications taken long-term can distort the results upwards or downwards.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- Medicines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders;
- oral contraceptives prescribed to women;
- antihypertensive medications;
- Syrup-based cough medicine.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar levels.
These studies also affect female sex hormones, which is why tests before the start of menstruation should be postponed until after their end.
Glucose therefore has a major influence on the performance of the entire body. In order to prevent diseases, it is necessary, especially for people with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes, to determine the sugar concentration in the blood at least once a year or as part of a medical examination.