Biochemical research of glucose


Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and metabolism of lipids (fats) are judged by the content of glucose in the blood. This compound enters the body in the form of poly- and disaccharides, then, under the action of enzymes, these substances undergo further decomposition with the formation of a monosaccharide - glucose - the main energy substrate. Immediately after entering from the outside, glucose is used by the main consumers of energy: brain tissue, skeletal and cardiac muscles. The rest of the glucose is converted to glycogen for short-term storage, or lipids (fats) are synthesized from it for longer-term storage.

Being the main source of energy for vital organs, glucose must constantly be in the blood in the required concentration. Otherwise, due to a lack of energy, cells are unable to perform their functions, metabolic processes slow down. The brain is most sensitive to fluctuations in glucose levels, which is why it is the first to respond to disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism in the form of fainting, impaired consciousness or coma.

The normal concentration of glucose in the blood, although it has a wide range (glucose norm is 3.1 - 6.2 mol / l), nevertheless, it is very sensitive to external and internal factors that affect this indicator. An error in diet or a little hunger, especially in combination with active physical or mental work, great excitement, emotions or severe stress can change the glucose level very quickly.

To prevent sudden fluctuations in the body, there is a whole system for regulating blood glucose. This system includes the brain (central regulation), the pancreas with islet cells that produce insulin and glucagon, the liver (glycogen storage), the adrenal glands (the influence of adrenaline, glucocorticoids), and the kidneys (glucose utilization). Obviously, a dysregulation at any of the above levels can lead to a change in the normal blood glucose value. On the one hand, this reduces the specificity of this indicator, but on the other, it increases its sensitivity: glucose acts as a universal and very accessible sensor, a signal indicating the presence of pathology in the body. And to clarify the nature of violations, other, more expensive and complex research methods allow.

Most often, an excess of glucose is noted in the body. Isolated cases of hyperglycemia can occur during times of stress, intense emotions, or after dieting. If the glucose level is higher than normal with repeated biochemical blood tests, a suspicion of diabetes mellitus arises. To clarify this diagnosis, a number of additional tests are performed, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is examined. Hyperglycemia can also be caused by:

  • Tumor processes in the endocrine glands: pituitary gland, pancreas (tumors from cells that produce glucagon), adrenal glands;

  • Severe inflammatory processes in the pancreas associated with the destruction of insulin-producing cells;

  • Renal pathology.

Hyperglycemia of mild to moderate severity is practically asymptomatic. There are only nonspecific signs in the form of increased fatigue, decreased immunity, and visual impairment. A significant increase in glucose levels leads to constant thirst, polyuria (a lot of urine), dry skin and mucous membranes. A hyperglycemic crisis is accompanied by loss of consciousness, coma, abnormal breathing and the smell of acetone.

Hypoglycemia is a decrease in glucose levels below normal. Physiological hypoglycemia occurs after stress and expressed emotions, hard physical labor, and fasting. Causes of pathological hypoglycemia:

  • Violation of the treatment / meal regimen for diabetes mellitus;

  • Overdose of drugs that lower blood glucose levels;

  • Tumors from insulin-producing cells (insulinomas)

  • Some tumors of the adrenal gland;

  • Severe infectious processes;

  • Decreased thyroid function;

  • Liver pathology (cirrhosis, hepatitis, tumor damage).

The most common manifestations of hypoglycemia are:

  • Intense hunger;

  • Great weakness;

  • Shiver;

  • Sweating;

  • Decreased attention;

  • Headache;

  • Irritability;

  • Anxiety;

  • Drowsiness.

With a further decrease in glucose levels, these symptoms are aggravated:

  • Breathing disorder appears;

  • Blood pressure drops;

  • Fainting occurs, followed by coma;

  • Pathological neurological symptoms are increasing.

To prevent the development of severe symptoms from both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This is especially necessary for people with a high risk of developing diabetes mellitus, frequent surges in blood glucose, prone to hyper- or hypoglycemia, even at small values.

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