In our time, the frequency of blood tests for sugar (glucose) has increased significantly. And not in vain, because its results can tell about many disorders in the body, about diseases associated with the endocrine system, diseases of the kidneys, pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, inflammatory processes in the body, tumors in the stomach and poisoning with toxic substances. The most common disease, the symptom of which is an increased concentration of sugar in the blood, is diabetes mellitus.
Every six hours a person dies from this disease in the world. More than 400 million people have diabetes. And this number is constantly growing. At the same time, every third of them does not know about the disease. This is due to the fact that initially the disease is asymptomatic, and people do not realize that irreversible changes have begun to occur in their body.
It is possible to diagnose diabetes at an early stage by taking a blood glucose test. Then severe consequences can beavoid by adjusting the diet and maintaining a he althy lifestyle.
In general, passing this analysis does not cause much trouble, but its benefits are invaluable. Therefore, every person (even one who feels just fine) should donate blood for glucose as a preventive measure. It won't hurt little kids either.
What norms of blood sugar from a vein in women, men and children are considered acceptable, and which ones indicate a disease; what types of analyzes exist and how to prepare for them in order to achieve maximum accuracy of indicators; how to understand that it is necessary to pass this analysis is discussed in this article.
What is a sugar test?
What is popularly called a sugar test, doctors refer to as a blood glucose test. The carbohydrate food consumed by a person is broken down into monosaccharides, 80% of which is glucose (this is what they mean when talking about blood sugar). It is found in fruits, berries, honey, chocolate, beets, carrots, etc. It enters the bloodstream from the intestines and liver. Insulin helps absorb glucose. This substance is in the blood and before meals, but in a minimal amount. After eating, its concentration rises, and then decreases again (until the next meal).
Glucose is very important for human he alth, because it is the main source of energy, fuel for cells, tissues and organs. Glucose provides 50% of all energy from food.
Glycemia is a measure of glucose concentration. It has a significant impact on well-being and he alth.human.
Low blood sugar
A condition in which the glucose level is low is called hypoglycemia. It comes from physical or emotional overstrain, non-compliance with the diet, chronic diseases. In this case, short-term hypoglycemia does not lead to serious consequences.
People with low blood glucose levels should always carry foods or drinks that will quickly deliver glucose, such as sweets, sweetened water, etc. Also, avoid exercise, stress, get more rest, keep a daily routine and diet, eat less complex carbohydrates.
Hypoglycemia symptoms
If a person has low blood sugar concentration, then he is periodically overcome by a strong feeling of hunger. Heartbeat - rapid, sweating - increased, mental state - restless (excitability, irritability, uncontrolled anxiety). In addition, fatigue, weakness, lethargy are constantly felt, there is no strength to work. Sometimes there are dizziness and fainting.
High blood sugar
Hyperglycemia is much more common than hypoglycemia.
High concentration is also temporary due to the loads and stress that fill the life of a modern person. With the normalization of the rhythm and lifestyle, mental state, the concentration of glucose returns to normal without causing significant harm to the body.
Symptomshyperglycemia
With hyperglycemia, as with hypoglycemia, fatigue and drowsiness, an unstable mental state, are felt. In addition, people with elevated glucose concentrations note dry mouth, imaginary tactile sensations, dry skin, and rapid breathing. The clarity of vision decreases, wounds heal poorly, purulent inflammations appear on the skin, weight decreases sharply. Hyperglycemia is also indicated by frequent urination, constant thirst, and a tendency to infectious diseases. In severe cases, nausea and vomiting occur.
Causes of imbalance in plasma sugar
Prolonged hypoglycemia occurs due to malnutrition with the use of sweets, empty carbohydrates in large quantities. In this case, the pancreas produces an excessive amount of insulin, and glucose accumulates in the tissues.
Diseases of the hypothalamus, kidneys, adrenal glands can also lead to hypoglycemia.
The reason may also be a violation of the function of insulin production of the pancreas or its tumor (since the growth of cells and tissues of the gland contributes to its greater production of insulin).
Prolonged hyperglycemia speaks of diseases of the endocrine system associated with hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (the rate of release of insulin is higher than the rate of absorption), problems of the hypothalamus, constant inflammatory processes in the body, less often liver problems. Hyperglycemia is often a symptom of diabetes.
Recommendations for preparing for the test
HowIt has already been noted that an analysis for prevention should be taken by everyone at least once every six months. However, if symptoms of hyper- or hypoglycemia are present, blood glucose levels should definitely be measured.
In order for the results to reflect the real state of he alth, and in case of an imbalance of glucose, the correct treatment can be prescribed, certain rules must be followed.
Blood for sugar is always taken on an empty stomach (both from a vein and from a finger) after an eight-hour abstinence from food (minimum). The break can be from 8 to 12 hours, but not more than 14, because food leads to an increase in glucose levels. It is more convenient to donate blood in the morning.
Before analysis, it is not recommended to lean on sweets and foods rich in carbohydrates (at the same time, you cannot significantly change your diet). Diets must be abandoned in three days.
Emotional experiences also affect the results of the analysis, so you need to visit a medical facility in a calm, balanced state.
Even a quick walk to the hospital can distort the results, so sports and any active recreation are contraindicated before analysis: the elevated level may decrease, and hyperglycemia will not be detected.
Bad habits should also be abandoned: do not smoke at least two hours before the analysis, do not drink alcohol for two days.
After infectious diseases (for example, SARS, influenza, tonsillitis) two weeks should pass. If you still need to take the test earlier, then you need to warn the doctor, laboratory assistant, so that this fact is taken into account when decoding.
Even massage, X-ray, physiotherapy changeindicators in the analysis.
Medications (even such as oral contraceptives) should also be warned about, and if it is possible to refuse them for a while, then it is better not to take them for two days before the analysis.
Long drive, night shift work contributes to a false positive. Sleep needed.
Some doctors don't even recommend brushing your teeth or chewing gum, as sugar is absorbed into the body through the mouth, increasing glucose levels.
Risk group
The risk group includes those people who are more likely than others to develop diseases triggered by low or high plasma glucose concentrations.
These include overweight patients and those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure). Also at risk of getting sick are people whose relatives (especially parents) have diagnoses associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, problems of the endocrine system. In this case, hereditary propensity plays a role.
Women in position are also at risk. In pregnant women, the norms of sugar from a vein differ from those generally accepted.
Types of blood glucose tests
In our time, you can take a blood test for glucose without any restrictions. It is not even necessary to go to the doctor for a referral, you can, of your own free will, immediately come to the laboratory and conduct a study.
This analysis should be taken during a general examination of the body, because with itsnot only diabetes can be detected with help, but many other diseases as well.
There are many laboratory methods, the purpose of which is to determine the concentration of sugar in blood plasma. Consider their purpose in more detail.
1) Biochemical analysis to determine the level of glucose in the blood.
This method is considered basic and is the most common. Such an analysis has been used for a long time (more than several decades), so it is reliable. Blood sampling is done from a vein or from a finger (from a vein is considered more reliable).
This analysis is a primary study. If the level of sugar from the vein is normal, then no further tests will be required.
If there are any deviations in the direction of hypo- or hyperglycemia, the doctor prescribes additional tests for a more accurate picture.
2) Determination of the concentration of fructosamine (a mixture of glucose and protein).
With this analysis, blood is taken from a vein and the study is carried out using a special analyzer. This test allows you to detect the level of glucose that was in the blood from 1 to 3 weeks ago. It is carried out to track the effectiveness of treatment for hyperglycemia and for blood loss, anemia, to determine how many red blood cells are lost.
3) Analysis of the level of glycated hemoglobin associated with glucose.
Venous blood is required for analysis. The percentage of glycated hemoglobin in it directly depends on the amount of glucose in it. This analysis is given with a long monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment of patientsdiabetes. It is considered quite accurate, because it does not depend on the emotional and mental state, physical activity, meals, unlike all other types of sugar tests.
4) Glucose tolerance test.
This test is also called the post-sugar load test. This name is explained by the procedure of the study. It is carried out in 3 stages: blood is taken on an empty stomach, then the patient drinks glucose dissolved in water. Then the analysis is given twice more: after 1 hour and after 2 hours. Thus, the response to glucose intake is monitored. The norm is an increase and subsequent decrease in glucose levels, and in the case of diabetes, it remains the same. The test reveals carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
This type of analysis has contraindications: it cannot be given to children under 14 years of age, those who have recently undergone surgery, a heart attack, childbirth.
5) Glucose tolerance test with C-peptide determination.
This analysis allows you to count the cells that produce insulin, determine the type of diabetes (insulin-dependent or not). Also used to correct prescribed therapy.
6) Determination of the concentration of lactate (lactic acid) in the blood.
This type of study determines the oxygen saturation of tissues. Blood taken from a vein reveals circulatory problems.
7) Glucose tolerance test during pregnancy.
When a woman is registered for pregnancy, she takes a biochemical basic blood test or an analysis for the level of glycated hemoglobin. This is done in order toprevention, because about 10% of pregnant women experience gestational diabetes, as a result of which the weight of the fetus increases excessively due to excess sugar from the fasting vein in women. If required at 6-7 months, then a glucose tolerance test is done.
In addition to laboratory tests, there are also portable glucometers. They are convenient in that the sugar level can be measured at any time without spending a lot of time on it, but their error is up to 20%.
Deciphering the results of the analysis: the norms of sugar from a vein on an empty stomach
Indicators depend on age, blood characteristics and sampling methods. The norms of sugar from a vein and from a finger are different, because venous blood is thicker than capillary blood, and therefore it is more saturated with glucose.
The acceptable level of glucose from a vein is 3.5-6.1 mmol/l (millimoles per liter). It is in such units that the level of glucose is measured in the countries of the post-Soviet space. With such a normal indicator, glucose goes to all systems and organs, is absorbed, and is not excreted in the urine.
If the level is below normal blood sugar from a vein (3.5 mmol / l), then hypoglycemia is detected, if it is higher - hyperglycemia (higher than 6.1 mmol / l - pre-diabetic state; higher than 7, 0 mmol / l - diabetes mellitus). Pre-diabetes is a condition in which on an empty stomach the body is able to regulate glucose levels with insulin, and then not. That is, there is no diabetes yet, but it is worth taking measures to reduce glucose levels.
The norm of analysis for sugar fromveins in children are different. At the age from birth to one year, the norm is 2.8–4.4 mmol / l; from one to five - 3, 3-5, 0 mmol / l, in children from 5 years and older - the same as in adults. With other tests, the glucose level should be different.
When determining the concentration of fructosamine, the norm of sugar from a vein on an empty stomach in men and women is 205-285 µmol/l, and in children 0-14 years old - 195-271 µmol/l. If the indicators are defined above, this may indicate diabetes mellitus, brain injuries or tumors, a decrease in thyroid function, if lower - about nephrotic syndrome.
If, with this type of analysis as a glucose tolerance test, the indicators exceed the norm of sugar from a vein and range from 7.8 to 11.0 mmol / l, this indicates a violation of glucose tolerance, and if they exceed 11, 0 mmol / l - about diabetes.
The acceptable glucose level during the test for the determination of C-peptides is 0.5-3 ng / ml before exercise, 2.5-15 ng / ml - after it. When determining the concentration of lactate, the rate of sugar from a vein in men and women is 0.5-2.2 mmol / l, in children it is slightly higher. Elevated readings indicate anemia, low readings indicate cirrhosis, heart failure.
In general, glucose levels do not depend on gender, but during pregnancy, the rate of sugar from a vein should be higher - 4.6-6.7 mmol / l. With indicators above the data, a diagnosis is made - gestational diabetes, which occurs due to endocrine disorders. If the prescribed level is exceeded, therapy is required to maintain the he alth of the mother and baby, constant monitoring of blood counts.
Both high and low plasma glucose concentrations can indicate serious illnesses and lead to serious complications if they are not diagnosed and treated in time. Everyone can prevent this by simply having their blood sugar tested and monitored.
