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Blood Glucose

Important to the human body, blood glucose definitely affects the life of every person. However, when glucose levels increase or decrease abnormally, the glucose significantly disrupts the efficiency of the cells and the functions of the body. Much depends on the way blood glucose (aka blood sugar) is absorbed by the cells of the body. Glucose is made from food the body ingests and then digests. It moves in the body’s bloodstream to enter cells and gives them the necessary energy to efficiently function. However, glucose cannot move into the cells without the aid of insulin, a hormone which is produced by the pancreas. If there is insufficient insulin or none at all, then the blood glucose cannot complete its purpose. The blood sugar remains in the bloodstream and as it increases beyond normal levels, the body begins to suffer.

If the levels do remain elevated, a condition known as hyperglycemia (high glucose levels) will develop. If high blood glucose levels persist, the body can develop diabetes mellitus which is the result of failed blood glucose regulation. Or, the diabetes can be the impetus for developing hyperglycemia. As this condition continues, the body begins to be damaged and the persistent high blood sugar levels affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, liver, and blood vessels.

However, another condition develops with abnormal blood glucose; this time the blood glucose decreases until hypoglycemia (low glucose levels) develops. Hypoglycemia is no friend of the diabetic, either. It can result from several causes: too much insulin; too little food; too much, prolonged exercise; and even, some diseases, such as the flu. Whatever the cause, if blood sugar decreases too much, the consequences are serious, just as serious as the consequences of too much blood sugar. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are as follows: dizziness; lethargy; heart palpitations; anxiety; and sweating.

Rising levels of blood glucose in the bloodstream can also cause other conditions. In pregnant women gestational diabetes can develop due to increased blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is a temporary state which develops usually during the second half of pregnancy. However, pregnant women are often unaware they have this diabetes. Their blood glucose will return to normal levels after the baby’s birth. A prediabetes condition can also develop due to some increase in the blood glucose. This condition can be called impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose depending on which blood glucose test is used for diagnosis. The blood sugar levels are not high enough to qualify for diabetes diagnose.

However, both conditions can eventually lead to diabetes mellitus 2 in later years. Women who have gestational diabetes or who have had this condition can take preventive measures from developing diabetes 2. They can follow balanced nutritional diets, lose weight or control weight as needed, maintain a routine of regular exercise, and visit the doctor for the usual physical exams. The person who has prediabetes can also take the same actions in order to prevent the future development of being diagnosed with diabetes. Also, both conditions will still require monitoring. By using a glucometer these individuals will be able to monitor the blood glucose levels. One of the ways to manage sugar levels for healthy blood glucose is to continue practicing good health habits and notifying the doctor of any abnormal increase or decrease in their blood sugar readings.

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