Blood sugar is necessary for the proper functioning of our body. Both men and women need it. Its entry into brain neurons and red blood cells is important.
Glucose is consumed by the body bypassing the insulin pathway:
- protection of red blood cells and neurons against the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- maintenance of iron in erythrocytes in the form required 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. 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. Glucose is used for this purpose.
The liver synthesizes fatty acids and 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 normal blood sugar?
Glycemia is the level of sugar in the blood. The normal values of this index are ensured by the balance of the processes of glucose transport, use, formation and entry into the blood. Balance is maintained by hormones. These include:
- hypoglycemic (insulin);
- hyperglycemic (glucocorticosteroids, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon).
The blood sugar level is between 3. 3 and 5. 5 mmol/l, according to some sources, the reference limit is shifted to 6. 6. Values calculated for venous blood are slightly higher than for capillary indicators.
How does low blood sugar manifest itself?
The cause of this condition is the cells' increased demand for glucose, as a result of which the processes of ATP production are interrupted.
The causes of these disorders are as follows:
- overproduction of insulin in tumors (insulinoma);
- incorrectly administered insulin dose in case of diabetes;
- adrenal insufficiency caused by a lack of hyperglycemic hormones;
- disruption of the outflow of sugars from the intestine;
- liver pathologies;
- hereditary diseases that result in reduced 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 intestine is associated with the pathology of absorption (for example, enteritis) and nutritional starvation caused by the lack of this element. This condition is called nutritional hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar leads to 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;
- faint.
In such situations, immediate help should be provided. Blood sugar levels are increased with sweets or drug injections. 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 level above 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;
- hyperproduction of hormones in acromegaly - somatotropic, thyrotoxicosis - iodothyronine, Itsenko-Cushing's disease - glucocorticosteroids;
- kidney failure and filtration disorder;
- overeating and excessive sugar intake;
- practical stress;
- pain;
- stroke, brain tumor.
The most serious consequence of hyperglycemia is the development of hyperosmolar coma, which is caused by excess glucose in the blood, which draws too much fluid into the blood 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 causes glycosuria.
In the case of moderate hyperglycemia, the process of pathological protein glycosylation and sorbitol formation begins. This compound promotes the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and interferes with the functioning of the cells. Abnormal glycosylation interferes with antibody function and causes hypoxia. By changing the antigenic properties of proteins, it can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases.
The main clinical symptoms associated with high blood sugar are:
- vision impairment;
- disorder of nervous sensitivity;
- development of kidney failure;
- trophic disorders in the tissues of the lower limbs;
- frequent urination;
- general weakness;
- strong thirst;
- slow regeneration of cuts and wounds.
Most of these symptoms are characteristic of diabetes mellitus, a disease of endocrine etiology, which is associated with impaired glucose absorption due to the lack of the hormone insulin.
Factors contributing to the development of pathology are the following:
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight;
- infections;
- taking inducer drugs.
If you identify several of the listed clinical symptoms and risk factors, it is worth making 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 impaired sugar metabolism. These include:
- glucose tolerance test;
- glycated hemoglobin;
- determination of fasting blood sugar level;
- general urinalysis;
- blood chemistry.
In case of an uncertain diagnosis, we perform a tolerance test. If diabetes is diagnosed, this test is not recommended. For the test, blood is taken on an empty stomach, and then the level is evaluated after consuming a sugar solution. Based on the data obtained, a sugar curve is formed, the level of which normalizes within 2-3 hours. A reading above 11 mmol/l indicates possible deviations.
Glycated hemoglobin is used to monitor the dynamics of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus, to identify latent forms, and to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. The norm is no more than 6% of the total amount of hemoglobin.
The presence of sugar in the general urine test is directly influenced by the concentration of glucose in the blood. Its reabsorption is normally 1. 7 mmol/min. 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. Sugar in the urine may indicate diabetes mellitus, but it is not the only cause. In some cases, glucosuria develops:
- in pregnant women with reduced reabsorption;
- with congenital or acquired anomalies of the renal proximal tubules.
A normal level should be no more than 0. 8 mmol/l.
What medications can affect test results?
Medications taken continuously can bias the results upwards or downwards.
Increases performance:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, budesonide, etc. );
- Medicines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders;
- oral contraceptives prescribed for women;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- syrup-based cough suppressants.
Aspirin, aloe juice and quinine artificially lower blood sugar.
These tests also affect female sex hormones, so the tests before the start of menstruation should be postponed until the end of menstruation.
Thus, glucose has a huge impact on the performance of the entire body. In order to prevent diseases, especially in people prone to hereditary diabetes, it is necessary to determine the concentration of blood sugar at least once a year or as part of a medical examination.