The human body is a complex mechanism in which there is a constant interaction of all organs and systems. Glucose is one of the main components, as it provides energy to all cells and systems of the body. Therefore, it is very important to keep its level under control, periodically checking the blood for sugar. After all, any deviations from the norm can indicate a number of serious diseases that need immediate treatment. Next, we will analyze what is the normal blood glucose level in a healthy person and what causes may contribute to deviations from normal values.
The role of glucose in the body
When talking about the analysis of the amount of blood sugar, it refers to the concentration of glucose in it. So what is it?
Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that enters our body along with food. Part of it, falling into the blood stream, is carried by organs and systems, and the rest remains in adipose tissue and muscles. Glucose performs both positive and negative functions. The following are positive:
- provides energy to the cells of the body, including the brain, which stimulates the development of memory, thinking;
- participates in the metabolism;
- helps the body cope with stressful situations, maintaining a mental state;
- takes part in the regeneration of the muscle apparatus;
- stimulates the activity of the heart muscle;
- Helps the liver fight toxic substances.
Negative functions are associated with pathological abnormalities in the concentration of glucose in the blood. These include:
- allergy;
- weight gain;
- increase in pressure;
- increase in cholesterol;
- excessive work of the pancreas;
- problems with blood circulation and in the work of the heart muscle.
Norms
The norm of blood sugars is not a constant value. Its deviations can be influenced by various factors - diet, time of day, stressful situations, pregnancy, the presence of diseases. Blood sugar rates by age will also have certain differences. A glucose indicator is called glycemia. If the analysis showed lower values, then they indicate the presence of hypoglycemia, and a condition in which the values are increased is called hyperglycemia.
The rate of blood sugar by age will be slightly different. This must be considered when making a diagnosis.
Below is a table of blood sugar values.
| condition | Hypoglycemia | Norm | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
| Fasting value, mmol / l | less than 3.3 | 3.3–5.5 | 5.5–7 | 7 and more |
The amount of sugar in the blood of women can vary due to physiological processes taking place in her body. These may include pregnancy, a certain day of the cycle, menopause. In men, the norm is more stable.
With age, the norms of blood sugar indicators increase. Whereas in children the values are slightly lower than in an adult. Let's see more in the table below.
| Age | Up to a month | Under 14 years old | 14-60 years old | 60–90 years old | 90 years and more |
| Mmol / L value | 2.8-4.4 | 3.2–5.5 | 3.3–5.5 | 4.6-6.4 | 4.2-6.7 |
These values are relevant for capillary blood, which is taken from a finger on an empty stomach. As a rule, the norms of blood values taken from a vein will be 8–10% higher than blood taken from a finger. The rate of blood sugar after eating or exercise will be slightly higher.
Hyperglycemia
Excessively high levels of blood sugar can be associated with the development of diabetes, manifested in endocrine disorders, with some liver and pituitary dysfunctions, as well as in case of pancreatic malfunctions. It is worth noting that an increase in blood sugar levels will not always be a pathological condition. After eating or during physical exertion, an increase in values will be normal, provided that after a certain time the indicators become within normal limits. If elevated conditions are observed for a long time after the analysis, this may indicate a threat of diabetes and more serious complications, such as hyperglycemic coma.
| Power | Values, mmol / L |
| Easy | up to 8.2 |
| Average | until 11 |
| Heavy | up to 16.5 |
| Precoma | from 16.5 to 33 |
| Coma | above 33 |
| Hyperosmolar coma | above 55 |
The mild form practically does not harm the body. There is only increased thirst. If the increase in the amount of sugar continues, and the symptoms increase, you should consult a doctor more quickly, since the lack of treatment can lead to severe stages of the disease.
The reasons for which a state of hyperglycemia is observed include:
- digestive system disorders;
- stress
- premenstrual condition;
- bad habits;
- diabetes;
- cirrhosis;
- hepatitis.
How to lower blood sugar, it is best to find out at the doctor's office after conducting the necessary tests.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Symptoms by which you can determine an increase in blood sugar include the following:
- increased thirst;
- frequent urination
- weight loss;
- drowsiness and lethargy;
- dry mouth
- visual impairment;
- tingling in the limbs;
- irritability, short temper;
- prolonged wound healing;
- smell of acetone on exhalation.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar. Regardless of what causes led to pathological values, a person in any case will feel a deterioration, since glucose is fuel for the central nervous system and all organs.
Reasons that may contribute to the development of hypoglycemia include:
- chronic diseases;
- stress
- low carbohydrate diet;
- malnutrition;
- renal failure;
- excess insulin;
- diseases of the pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands;
- insufficient fluid intake;
- bad habits - alcohol, smoking.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
Symptoms by which you can judge the development of hypoglycemia include the following:
- irritability, bad mood, moodiness;
- weakness and lethargy;
- trembling limbs;
- increased sweating;
- hunger;
- tachycardia;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- visual impairment.
People who are prone to lowering blood sugar are advised to always have a source of fast-absorbing glucose with them - it can be something sweet or just an aqueous solution of glucose. You need to take the product as soon as possible, since when the sugar level drops below 2.2 mmol / l, a hypoglycemic coma can form, in which there is a threat to human life.
Signs of coma include:
- reduced breathing rate;
- fainting;
- cold sweat;
- pupils do not respond to light;
- the skin has a pale appearance.
It is necessary to immediately introduce glucose into the body and call an ambulance.
Indications for analysis
Indications for measuring blood sugar include the following conditions and diseases:
- if symptoms of low or high sugar are observed;
- diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, liver, pancreas;
- visual impairment;
- coronary artery disease;
- heredity;
- the development of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris at a relatively early age;
- signs of prediabetes or diabetes;
- elderly age;
- pregnancy;
- overweight people.
Also, the norm of blood sugars is checked at each routine examination, including in children. During pregnancy from the 24th week, tests for the exclusion of gestational diabetes are prescribed.
Diagnostic Methods
Measurement of the norm of blood sugars is carried out using laboratory tests. These include:
- Clinical blood test. Using this method, you can find out about the presence of pathological changes in the body, see the values of hemoglobin, the state of blood coagulation.
- Blood for sugar. As a rule, in this case, blood from the finger is used.
- Biochemistry. Used blood from a vein.
- Glucose tolerance test. This method is used to confirm or exclude the condition of prediabetes or diabetes. Also, this analysis is prescribed for pregnant women, starting from the second trimester. The test is a three-time measurement of blood sugar after a certain interval of time and after glucose intake. The indicators are compared before taking glucose and some time after that.
- Determination of glycated hemoglobin. This method allows you to track the average blood glucose for 2-3 months. This is important for checking the quality of treatment.
There are also additional studies:
- Analysis for the concentration of fructosamine. Allows you to determine the degree of glycemia in 2-3 weeks.
- The level of lactic acid in the blood helps to find out how saturated the body’s tissues are with oxygen.
- Analysis for C-peptide. It is prescribed to check the effect of insulin therapy or to clarify the causes of low blood sugar.
- Analysis for the presence of antibodies to insulin. Such a study helps to correctly build a treatment plan and clarify the prognosis of treatment in people with a burdened hereditary history.
Analysis preparation
In order for the analysis result to be as accurate as possible, some conditions must be met.
- about 8 hours before blood donation, you need to refuse to eat;
- you can drink only water;
- do not drink alcohol or smoke in 24 hours;
- do not use medications per day (in this case, you should consult your doctor);
- Before analysis, do not engage in physical activity and do not be nervous;
- Do not brush your teeth or chew gum on the day of blood sampling.
Physiological increase in sugar
Not always an increase in blood sugar is a sign of a pathological condition of the body. Causes such as:
- stress
- cool shower;
- physical exercise;
- smoking and drinking;
- hormonal disorders;
- premenstrual phase of the cycle in a woman.
How often do I need to donate blood
Donate blood for sugar at least 2 times a year. If a person is at risk, the analysis should be carried out even more often. At the first signs of abnormalities in blood sugars, consult your doctor as soon as possible, who will prescribe the necessary tests.
If a person is sick with diabetes, in some cases it will be necessary to check the sugar level up to 5 times a day. If type 1 diabetes is present or the patient is insulin-dependent, blood tests should be performed before each insulin injection. In type 2 diabetes, the analysis is carried out immediately after sleep, then an hour after eating and before bedtime. If physical activity or stressful situations have occurred, as well as a worsening condition, a blood test should be carried out even more often.
For the convenience of analysis, there is a home device for measuring glucose levels - a glucometer, which indicates the result after 5-10 seconds.
Prevention
Compliance with preventive measures will keep glucose levels within normal limits. In the presence of pathological conditions, such measures will help to avoid the development of dangerous consequences.
- physical activity should be in moderation;
- you must eat right, refusing to eat fried, spicy, smoked food;
- reduce the effects of stress;
- food should be fractional and in small portions;
- drink the necessary amount of fluid per day;
- a strong feeling of hunger should not be allowed, there should always be a snack at hand;
- you need to systematically check your glucose level.
Conclusion
Thus, a blood glucose test is an important study that can indicate serious pathological conditions in the body. Knowing what blood sugar is, a person can start appropriate therapy on time, which will increase the chances of a full recovery by several times. Blood sugar standards vary depending on various factors, so only a doctor can correctly diagnose and prescribe the optimal treatment. Preventive measures that can help not only reduce symptoms, but in some cases save lives, should not be neglected.