Sugar is a complex carbohydrate that is highly digestible by body tissues and has a positive effect on brain activity. In addition, it normalizes the work of certain muscle groups. With its minimal intake, in an amount of not more than 50 grams, it is useful, as it provides the body with energy. The well-being of the individual and the absence or presence of diabetes mellitus depend on its content in the body. When passing a biomaterial from a finger for sugar, the norm of which is 3.3-5.5 mmol / l, the doctor receives information about its level in the blood, and this is one of the criteria for he alth. This indicator evaluates the failure of the hormonal background and carbohydrate metabolism.
How is glucose regulated?
Reduces blood sugar hormonal substance insulin. Its production occurs in the cells of the pancreas. However, in the body of an individual, hormones are synthesized that increase it - norepinephrine, adrenaline, cortisol, corticosterone, glucagon. The latter is a carbohydrate reserve, consumptionwhich is carried out with a lack of glucose and in between meals. Stimulation of hormonal processes depends on the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic section increases, and the parasympathetic section decreases the concentration of glucose. Blood for research is taken in the morning from a finger. The norm of sugar does not depend on the gender and age of the individual. The term "glycemia" refers to the level of glucose in the blood. Thanks to neurohumoral regulation, an optimal concentration of glucose is maintained in the body of an individual. Some pathologies contribute to a decrease in sugar and cause hypoglycemia, others, on the contrary, hyperglycemia. In the first case it is:
- Glycogen deficiency due to strict diet, excessive carbohydrate restriction, prolonged exercise.
- Overdose of salicylates and antihistamines.
- Liver failure.
- Lack of glucagon due to pancreatic resection.
- Failure of glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Taking anabolic drugs, amphetamines or Anaprilin.
- Some endocrine abnormalities.
- Poisoning with poisons and alcohol-containing liquids.
- Neoplasms that synthesize hormonal substances that enhance the action of insulin.
If, when examining a biomaterial from a finger for sugar, the norm is too high, then this is hyperglycemia, which provokes:
- Diabetes is the main cause of excess glucose in excess of the norm. The risk of its occurrence is higher in people over the age of sixty. The main reason is serioushormonal changes.
- Taking certain hormonal and antihypertensive medications.
- Inflammatory processes and tumors in the pancreas.
- Hyperthyroidism, hypercortisolism syndrome, acromegaly.
- Drinking caffeinated liquids. After sixty years, the stimulating effect of this substance on the body increases.
- Chronic pathologies of the liver, kidneys.
- Temporary high blood sugar is common in conditions such as shock, injury, burns, stroke, heart attack.
- Some hereditary anomalies.
- Hormonally active neoplasms that produce somatostatin or catecholamines.
A slight increase in sugar after emotional and physical exertion is not considered a pathology.
Blood sugar (mmol/l)
Regardless of gender, age, and race, the norm of blood sugar from a finger is approximately the same for all individuals. The average allowable range is quite wide, the minimum number is 3.3 and the maximum is 5.5.
Under the influence of hormonal and age-related changes in women, norms can shift. For example, starting from fourteen to sixty years old, the acceptable corridor is from 4.1 to 5.9; after sixty - 6, 0 will also be considered the norm. In this case, slight fluctuations in both directions are possible.
If, according to the results of research, the sugar level before breakfast was 6.7, this indicates diabetes. A few additional blood tests are recommended for confirmation:
- for tolerance toglucose;
- glycosylated hemoglobin;
- for glucose (again).
When taking biomaterial from a finger, the norm of sugar in men after 60 years old on an empty stomach is from 5.5 to 6.0.
Men and women over the age of forty need to take good care of their he alth, as diabetes often develops during this period. The condition, which is called "prediabetes", is mostly asymptomatic. The insidiousness lies in the fact that it gradually leads to diabetes, in which the optimal indicators are from 4 to 6. Despite the fact that a blood test for glucose after eating is not carried out, but for making diagnoses such as "prediabetes" or "sugar diabetes", biomaterial sampling is carried out one hundred and twenty minutes after eating from a finger. In this case, the blood sugar norm is up to 7. With values such as 7, 8 minimum and 11 maximum, a failure in glucose tolerance is recorded. When the readings are higher, this indicates the presence of the first or second type of diabetes.
Signs of high blood glucose
The risk of diabetes increases with age in both men and women. The reason is a slowdown in metabolic processes, low physical activity, the use of a large amount of alcohol-containing liquids, and malnutrition. The easiest way to find out your indicators is to take a laboratory test and check if there is a deviation from the normal level of sugar. A biomaterial is taken from a finger or from a vein, it does not matter. In both sexes, with highsugar content, the following clinical picture is observed:
- drowsy;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- weakness;
- dry dermis;
- constant thirst;
- pathological changes in the liver and kidneys;
- disorders in the brain due to lack of oxygen;
- thickening of the blood, which leads to a lack of nutrients, blood flow failure and the formation of blood clots.
If the above signs appear, you should visit your doctor, who will issue a referral for a blood test and a consultation with an endocrinologist.
Preparing for analysis
To obtain a reliable result, it is necessary to prepare for the study. Before biomaterial donation:
- eliminate alcohol for three days;
- it is forbidden to take food, as well as any liquid for eight to ten hours;
- sleep well;
- don't brush your teeth or use breath fresheners;
- do not take medication (in consultation with the attending doctor);
- do not chew gum as it contains sucrose;
- eliminate stressful situations and heavy physical activity.
It is recommended to reschedule the test if you have recently had an infectious disease or had an x-ray, physiotherapy or rectal examination.
A woman's glucose level
Due to some physiological features, the norm of sugar on an empty stomach from a finger in women increases from time to time. However, this process cannot be unambiguouslyabnormal. For example, while waiting for a baby, gestational diabetes may develop, which disappears after delivery, subject to adequate therapy. During menstruation, the results of the study are often distorted. During menopause, hormonal imbalance also affects carbohydrate metabolism, which affects glucose levels. All sorts of stresses, various problems increase the risk of developing diabetes after fifty years. With the transition to a more mature age, the endocrine system does not cope well with the synthesis and control of hormonal substances. During this period, careful glycemic control is essential.
The older you get, the less energy you need to maintain life, and the need for carbohydrates and calories decreases. In this regard, the norm of sugar from a finger in women after sixty years is higher than in younger representatives. The intake of glucose into the body is carried out from food and after two hours the main part of it leaves the vessels, penetrating into the tissues. In old age, this takes more time, which leads to a slight increase.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreatic hormone (insulin) is unable to transport glycogen. Insulin produced becomes insufficient, and excess glucose remains in the bloodstream. In this case, the rate of sugar on an empty stomach from a finger in women, as in men and children, is higher than in he althy individuals. Unfortunately, the body quickly adapts to a gradual increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood. Therefore, the disease for some periodis asymptomatic. This condition is fraught, as the imbalance leads to serious consequences leading to disability.
Glucose levels in men
Control of this indicator is necessary even with impeccable he alth, therefore, a test for sugar from a finger on an empty stomach, the norm of which for both sexes is in the range from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / l, is carried out during regular preventive examinations, and as well as dispensaries. Deviation from the permissible values is observed with age-related changes, disruption of the endocrine system and other he alth problems. In old age, the lower and upper limits of the norm increase. Often, men do not pay attention to the symptoms characteristic of diabetes. This is due to bad habits or neglect of their he alth on the part of the stronger sex.
The level of glycemia can change several times a day, as it depends on the psycho-emotional state, nutrition, physical activity. For example, sixty minutes after eating, the norm of sugar from a finger is in the range from 6.2 to 8.7; and after one hundred and twenty minutes - from 6.2 to 7.2 mmol / l. However, after three hours, these figures should be no more than 5.5. If the indicators for this period do not return to the norm, then additional diagnostics are necessary. The most common causes of high blood sugar in males are:
- transferred stress;
- testosterone surges;
- intensified physical activity;
- malnutrition;
- bad habits.
Ifwhen biomaterial is taken from a finger, sugar in men (you already know the norm) is higher than the permissible levels, then a second study and other laboratory tests are indicated. Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for developing diabetes. In men, chronic alcoholism and obesity are considered its main culprits. Other triggers include:
- pancreatitis;
- taking hormonal drugs for the treatment of other pathologies;
- hyperthyroidism;
- oncology;
- a history of stroke and heart attack.
The true cause is revealed after a comprehensive examination.
If, when examining a biomaterial from a finger for sugar (the norm should be known to every person in order to control their he alth), its level is underestimated, then this is a dangerous condition, since hypoglycemia adversely affects sexual functions and reduces erection. It contributes to its development:
- psychological stress;
- physical activity incommensurable with the ability of the body;
- poor nutrition - low intake of vitamins, micro- and macroelements;
- irrational consumption of simple carbohydrates;
- dehydration;
- intoxication.
Low glucose in the absence of diabetes is replenished by reduced physical activity and the use of sugary foods.
The effect of high blood sugar on the male body
If, according to the results of repeated tests of blood taken on an empty stomach from a finger, sugar (the norm is the same as formen and women) is increased, then this leads to serious consequences:
- Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys - excessive fluid intake associated with constant thirst increases the load on this organ, which contributes to the development of pathological processes.
- Thrombosis - hyperglycemia thickens the blood, making it difficult for its flow through the vessels. Clots form as a result of congestion.
- Problems with potency - a full erection does not occur due to insufficient supply of oxygen and blood to the male genital organs. The synthesis of testosterone is reduced due to hyperglycemia, as a result, sexual desire is inhibited. Ultimately, erectile dysfunction occurs.
- Stroke, heart attack - cholesterol deposits and thick blood disrupt the blood supply to the brain and heart.
Diabetes leads to complications in 90% of cases.
How to maintain normal glucose levels?
You should not neglect even a one-time deviation from the norm of fasting blood sugar from a finger, as this may well be the first harbinger of an endocrine disorder. To prevent diabetes, you need to maintain an active lifestyle. Also required:
- Balanced diet - preference is given to foods enriched with fiber, pectin, dietary fiber. It is recommended to minimize or avoid fatty and fried foods. Increase your water intake to two liters per day. Take vitamins - E, groups B, A, as well as trace elements - magnesium, chromium, manganese and zinc.
- Constant sports loads,daily outdoor walks.
- Complete renunciation of bad habits.
- Regular visits to the attending doctor and monitoring of glucose levels.
Women and men who are over sixty years old and are at risk, as they have a hereditary predisposition, obesity, diagnosed atherosclerosis, hypertension, it is much easier to prevent diabetes than to treat it. However, when the first symptoms of diabetes appear and the level of sugar in the blood from a finger is exceeded, it is necessary to visit a doctor. Moreover, this visit should not be postponed for a long time. Remember that a pathology detected at an early stage is treatable and does not cause any inconvenience for a long period, but only on one condition - the obligatory implementation of the doctor's recommendations.
Determination of blood sugar at home
Currently, almost all individuals with diabetes have the opportunity to monitor glucose levels at home in order to timely detect an increase or decrease in blood sugar when analyzed from a finger. A glucometer (the norm of the glucose level depends globally only on age and is within known limits) is a medical device with which this procedure is carried out. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Read the instructions that came with the device.
- Research on an empty stomach.
- Wash hands before handling and dry with a towel.
- Knead your finger to increase blood flow.
- Process with an alcohol wipe.
- Puncturewith the included scarifier, middle, index, or thumb.
- Remove the first drop of blood with a dry cotton swab.
- Apply a second drop to the test strip.
- Place in the glucometer and read the result on the screen.
The rate of fasting blood sugar from a finger depends on certain conditions. To obtain a reliable result, it is necessary to fulfill a number of conditions that were described above.
When measuring with a glucometer, be sure to follow the expiration dates and observe the storage conditions of the test strips. The tube of the glucometer must be completely closed during manipulation. These parameters affect the result and can distort the result. In addition, the following factors that increase sugar concentration should be considered:
- stress;
- taking sleeping pills, narcotic and psychotropic medications;
- tumor and inflammation in the pancreas;
- overweight;
- failure of the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands, liver and kidneys;
- excessive consumption of sweets;
- consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- intense physical activity. Regular performance of simple exercises, on the contrary, contributes to the normalization of sugar.
The level of blood sugar from a finger during the study after eating should not exceed the upper permissible limit - 7.8 and be below 4.0 mmol / l.
Pregnant women
During this period, the female body is completely rebuilt, everythingforces are directed to bearing the crumbs and subsequent births. Therefore, some conditions recognized as pathological in the absence of pregnancy are not considered a deviation from the norm while waiting for the baby. These include shortness of breath, swelling, pain in the lumbar region, heartburn. Nevertheless, when they appear, it is imperative to inform the attending doctor.
Determination of glucose concentration is a common test that is prescribed to all pregnant women at eight to twelve and thirty weeks. At risk are expectant mothers who:
- close relatives have diabetes or other endocrine disorders;
- overweight;
- first pregnancy over 30;
- polyhydramnios;
- two or more miscarriages, history of stillbirths;
- previously large or malformed babies were born;
- there are signs such as itching and dryness of the dermis, profuse and frequent urination, constant thirst, weight gain for no reason.
The norm of sugar in pregnant women on an empty stomach from a finger (mmol / l) is from 3.3 to 5.5. However, a slight increase in the limits is also allowed - 3.8-5.8 in the second half of pregnancy. The reason for this phenomenon is that the pancreas can not cope with the load. Only a doctor can detect pathology, so you should not panic and draw premature conclusions after receiving the results of the study, that is, before consulting a doctor.
Deviation from the norm
For the first time detected excess sugarblood from a pregnant finger is called "gestational diabetes." It often resolves immediately after delivery. Due to the fact that such a condition negatively affects the unborn baby, as it provokes weight gain and intrauterine fetal hypoxia, women are observed by an endocrinologist before childbirth. In some cases, real diabetes mellitus develops, as the level of amino acids in the blood decreases, and the number of ketone bodies increases. Recommended for lowering glucose:
- Adjust the diet - include oats, rice, buckwheat, fish, cottage cheese, meat, vegetables, eggs, fruits. Avoid chocolate, sugary soda, fast food. Reduce portions and eat often.
- Physical activity - the instructor at the clinic will recommend some special exercises.
- Insulin administration is indicated in cases of repeated increase in glucose concentration.
The reasons for the distorted study result are:
- past infectious diseases;
- violation of the rules for preparing for analysis;
- stress condition.
A slight deviation from the norm of sugar during pregnancy from a finger down is recorded quite often. The reason is that glucose is necessary for both the expectant mother and the baby. Common signs of this condition are increased fatigue, which disappears after eating, weakness. For prevention, it is recommended to eat small meals six times a day and drink up to two liters of water. However, an excessively low sugar level, i.e. less than 3.2 mmol / l, is an alarming sign. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, then the baby may have various pathologies, including mental retardation.
Controlling the concentration of sugar in the blood during the period of expectation of the baby allows you to exclude the occurrence of complications in both the expectant mother and the baby, as well as to detect diabetes in a timely manner. Therefore, you need to eat right and follow all the recommendations of the attending doctor. You need to focus on the following sugar norms in pregnant women from a finger (mmol / l):
- after eating (after 2 hours) - no higher than 6, 7;
- before bed - 5.0 to 7.0;
- at night - at least 3, 5.
The main way to protect yourself from pathologies caused by changes in the concentration of glucose in the blood is a he althy lifestyle, that is, giving up bad habits, feasible physical activity, proper nutrition.
Blood testing for sugar in children
Children's doctor recommends such an analysis with the following clinical picture:
- drastic weight loss;
- constant thirst;
- polyuria;
- high birth weight;
- dizziness and weakness shortly after feeding.
The appearance of the above signs indicates a lack of insulin in the body, as well as an endocrine failure.
If the baby was born with a large weight, then he is shown a blood test for sugar. Carry out this procedure until they reach one year. When normalizing weightdo a control study in order to exclude endocrine disorders, which result in improper metabolism.
For the reliability of the results, it is recommended not to feed the child eight to ten hours before donating the biomaterial for sugar from the finger (the norms are given below). It is allowed to drink the baby with plain water. Of course, it is quite difficult for parents to explain to the baby why he should not eat before bed. Therefore, pediatricians suggest distracting with games or putting to bed early to dull the feeling of hunger. In the morning you can give some water to drink.
Older children should not brush their teeth on test day as all toothpaste contains sweeteners.
If the baby is breastfed, then the time between the last feeding and the delivery of the biomaterial is reduced to three hours, i.e. this interval is enough for the milk to digest and not affect the result of the analysis.
When taking medications, and especially glucocorticoids, be sure to warn your doctor about this, as they lead to an increase in blood sugar. Distorts the result and the presence of infectious and colds. In addition, a jump in sugar is observed during physical or emotional stress, as well as stress. A day before the delivery of the biomaterial, one should try to reduce the excessive activity of the child by offering him calmer games, that is, to find a compromise. The task of parents is to calm the baby and make sure that he does not have fear of visiting the clinic and the laboratory assistant's office. After biomaterial samplingYou can give your child some kind of treat to cheer up and smooth out discomfort. The norm of sugar from a finger in children (mmol / l):
- up to twelve months ranges from 2.8 to 4.4;
- until the age of five - from 3.3 to 5.0;
- then - from 3, 3 to 5, 5.
Exceeding the upper limit signals the onset of diabetes. Causes - heredity, disruption of the production of hormonal substances by the thyroid gland, stress and overstrain (indicates problems with the nervous system). Additional tests are being carried out to confirm.
When the indicator is low, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is checked, since the causes of hypoglycemia are associated with a small amount of gastric enzymes.
