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, since it is it that provides energy to all cells and body systems. Therefore, it is very important to keep its level under control by 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 norm of blood glucose in a he althy person and what reasons can contribute to deviations from normal values.
The role of glucose in the body
When they talk about the analysis of the amount of sugar in the blood, they mean the concentration of glucose in it. So what is it?
Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that enters our body with food. Part of it, getting into the blood stream, is carried through the organs and systems, and the restremains in adipose tissue and muscles. Glucose performs both positive and negative functions. Positives include the following:
- provides energy to the cells of the body, including the brain, which stimulates the development of memory, thinking;
- participates in metabolism;
- helps the body cope with stressful situations, maintaining mental state;
- takes part in the regeneration of the muscular apparatus;
- stimulates the activity of the heart muscle;
- helps the liver fight toxic substances.
Negative functions are associated with pathological deviations in the concentration of glucose in the blood. These include:
- allergy;
- weight gain;
- pressure increase;
- increase in cholesterol;
- pancreas overwork;
- problems with blood circulation and in the work of the heart muscle.
Norms
The norm of sugars in the blood is not a constant value. Its deviations can be influenced by various factors - diet, time of day, stressful situations, pregnancy, the presence of diseases. Norms of blood sugar by age will also have certain differences. The level of glucose is called glycemia. If the analysis showed low values, then they speak of the presence of hypoglycemia, and the condition in which the values are increased is called hyperglycemia.
The norm of blood sugar by age will be slightly different. This must be taken into account when making a diagnosis.
Below is a table of level valuesblood sugar.
| Condition | Hypoglycemia | Norma | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
| Fasting value, mmol/L | less than 3, 3 | 3, 3–5, 5 | 5, 5–7 | 7 or more |
The amount of sugar in the blood of women can change due to the 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, blood sugar levels increase. While in children the values are slightly lower than in adults. Let's take a closer look at the table below.
| Age | Up to a month | Under 14 years old | 14-60 years old | 60–90 years | 90+ years |
| Value mmol/l | 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 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. Your blood sugar levels will be slightly higher after eating or exercising.
Hyperglycemia
Excessively high blood sugar levels can be associated with the development of diabetes, endocrine disorders, some dysfunctions of the liver and pituitary gland, as well as malfunctions of the pancreas. It should be noted that the increaseindicators of the amount of sugar in the blood will not always be a pathological condition. After eating or during physical exertion, an increase in values \u200b\u200bwill be normal, provided that after a certain time the indicators become within the normal range. If elevated conditions are observed for a long time after the analysis, this may indicate the threat of developing diabetes and more serious complications, such as hyperglycemic coma.
| Degree | Values, mmol/L |
| Easy | to 8, 2 |
| Average | until 11 |
| Heavy | to 16, 5 |
| Precoma | from 16.5 to 33 |
| Coma | above 33 |
| Hyperosmolar coma | above 55 |
The mild form does little to no harm to the body. There is only increased thirst. If the increase in sugar levels continues, and the symptoms increase, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, as the lack of treatment can lead to severe stages of the disease.
Causes of hyperglycemia include:
- disorders of the digestive system;
- stress;
- premenstrual state;
- bad habits;
- diabetes mellitus;
- cirrhosis;
- hepatitis.
How to lower blood sugar, it is best to find out at the doctor's office after conducting the necessary tests.
Hyperglycemia symptoms
To the symptoms by which you can determineincreased blood sugar include the following:
- increased thirst;
- frequent urination;
- weight loss;
- drowsiness and lethargy;
- dry mouth;
- visual impairment;
- tingling in limbs;
- irritability, short temper;
- prolonged wound healing;
- smell of acetone on exhalation.
Hypoglycemia
The state of hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar. Regardless of what reasons led to pathological values, a person will in any case feel a deterioration in the condition, since glucose is the fuel for the central nervous system and all organs.
Things that can contribute to hypoglycemia include:
- chronic diseases;
- stress;
- low carb diet;
- malnutrition;
- kidney failure;
- excess insulin;
- diseases of the pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands;
- insufficient fluid intake;
- bad habits - alcohol, smoking.
Hypoglycemia symptoms
Symptoms that indicate the development of hypoglycemia include the following:
- irritability, bad mood, moodiness;
- weakness and lethargy;
- trembling limbs;
- increased perspiration;
- feeling hungry;
- tachycardia;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- visual impairments.
People who have a tendency to lower blood sugar, it is recommended to always have a source of fast-absorbing glucose with you - it can be something sweet or just an aqueous solution of glucose. It is necessary 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 a coma include:
- reduced breathing rate;
- fainting;
- cold sweat;
- pupils do not react to light;
- skin looks pale.
It is necessary to immediately inject glucose into the body and call an ambulance.
Indications for testing
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 glands, liver, pancreas;
- visual impairment;
- ischemic heart disease;
- heredity;
- development of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris at a relatively early age;
- signs of prediabetes or diabetes;
- old age;
- pregnancy;
- overweight people.
Also, the norm of sugars in the blood is checked at every preventive examination, including in children. During pregnancy, from the 24th week, tests are prescribed to rule out gestational diabetes.
Diagnostic Methods
Measurement of the norm of sugars in the blood is carried out with the help of 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 a finger is used.
- Biochemistry. Blood from a vein is used.
- 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 at a certain interval of time and after taking glucose. Compare indicators before taking glucose and some time after that.
- Determination of glycated hemoglobin. This method allows you to track the average content of glucose in the blood 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 know how oxygenated the body's tissues are.
- C-peptide analysis. It is prescribed to check the effect of insulin therapy or to clarify the causes of low blood sugar.
- An 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 aggravatedhereditary history.
Preparing for analysis
In order for the analysis result to be as accurate as possible, some conditions must be met.
- about 8 hours before donating blood, you need to stop eating;
- you can only drink water;
- do not drink alcohol or smoke for 24 hours;
- do not use drugs for a day (in this case, you should consult your doctor);
- before the analysis, do not engage in physical activity and do not be nervous;
- Do not brush your teeth or chew gum on the day of your blood draw.
Physiological increase in sugar
Not always an increase in blood sugar is a sign of a pathological condition of the body. This may be influenced by reasons such as:
- stress;
- cool shower;
- physical activity;
- smoking and drinking;
- hormonal disorders;
- premenstrual phase of a woman's cycle.
How often should I donate blood
You need to 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 sign of abnormal blood sugar, see a doctor as soon as possible, who will prescribe the necessary tests.
If a person has diabetes, in some cases, you will have to check the sugar level up to 5 times a day. If type 1 diabetes is present or the patient is insulin dependent,Then you need to check the blood before each injection of insulin. 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, and a deterioration in the condition is felt, blood tests should be carried out even more often.
For the convenience of testing, there is a home device for measuring glucose levels - a glucometer that indicates the result in 5-10 seconds.
Prevention
Compliance with preventive measures will keep your 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 need to eat right, refusing to eat fried, spicy, smoked foods;
- reduce the impact of stress;
- food should be fractional and in small portions;
- drink the required amount of fluid per day;
- you can not allow a strong feeling of hunger, always have a snack on hand;
- need to systematically check the level of glucose.
Conclusion
Thus, the analysis of the amount of blood glucose 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 significantly increase the chances of a full recovery. Blood sugar levels vary depending on various factors,Therefore, only a doctor will be able to correctly diagnose and prescribe the optimal treatment. Preventive measures should not be neglected either, which can help not only reduce symptoms, but in some cases save lives.
