The concentration of sugar in the blood is an indicator of the metabolism of carbohydrates in the human body, the change in which occurs under the influence of various factors, pathological and physiological. Therefore, for an objective research result, it is very important to properly prepare for it.

Physiological causes of high blood sugar

The sugar level indicates the state of its synthesis and absorption by the cells of the body. An increase in the level (hyperglycemia) does not always indicate a pathology, but can also occur normally under the influence of such factors:

1. Food intake - causes slight hyperglycemia after a few hours, due to the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream from the intestines. Then, after a few hours, the indicator returns to normal due to the transfer of glucose into the cells and its utilization there.
2. Time of day - In the afternoon, glucose levels are usually higher than in the morning.
3. Emotional factor, stress - cause an increase in the production of adrenaline, which is a sugar-increasing hormone, by increasing its synthesis from liver glycogen.
4. Physical activity - muscle work requires a lot of energy, which is supplied by glucose when it is utilized in muscle cells (myocytes), therefore, an active breakdown of muscle and liver glycogen occurs in the body.

Pathological causes of hyperglycemia

In various diseases, sugar rises due to increased synthesis in the liver or a decrease in its absorption by the cells of the body. These conditions include:

1. Diabetes mellitus, type I - due to the pathology of the pancreas, there is a decrease in the production of insulin, which ensures the absorption of glucose by tissue cells.
2. Diabetes mellitus, type II - in this case, insulin production is not changed, but there is a decrease in the number of insulin receptors in the cells responsible for glucose uptake.
3. An increase in the level of sugar-increasing hormones (adrenaline, glucocorticosteroids), which increase its concentration due to the breakdown of glycogen - this condition develops in hormone-producing adrenal tumors.

A blood glucose test, showing its level, will help to identify pathological hyperglycemia. The rate of this indicator ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol / l.

Causes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Unlike hyperglycemia, sugar reduction occurs less frequently and is caused by:

• insufficient glucose intake - starvation, diseases of the digestive system;
• increased absorption of sugar by cells due to increased synthesis of insulin in the presence of a hormone-producing pancreatic tumor;
• liver pathology - this organ is the main store of sugar, which is in the form of glycogen, liver diseases reduce its reserves, which manifests itself in hypoglycemia

Preparing for a blood sugar test

The glucose concentration is a labile indicator, the state of which at the time and on the eve of the study is influenced by many factors. When performing the analysis, the correct objective result is important, reflecting the metabolism of sugar in the body. Therefore, before donating blood for sugar, you need to prepare for this and follow a number of recommendations:

• this study is carried out necessarily in the morning;
• the last meal before the study - no later than 8 hours in the form of a light dinner;
• exclusion of alcohol intake 2 days before the study, as it causes hyperglycemia;
• smoking is prohibited before the study, since nicotine induces an increase in the production of adrenaline, which increases sugar;
• coffee, tea (especially sweet), carbonated drinks, fruit juices should not be taken from drinks - they can cause physiological hyperglycemia. In the morning, the use of non-carbonated mineral water is allowed;
• on the eve, you should try to avoid exposure to stress and muscle stress, as they can provoke hyperglycemia;
• it is advisable to stop taking various drugs as they can lead to lower or higher sugar levels.

If you have any questions about how to properly prepare for donating blood for sugar, it is better to consult with your doctor or laboratory assistant, who will point out possible nuances, especially regarding the exclusion of certain medications.

There are times when a patient's blood sugar concentration is at the level of the upper limit of the norm or slightly exceeds it. Then, to exclude pathology carbohydrate metabolism, the determination of blood sugar is carried out with a load. The essence of this study is to carry out the determination of sugar several times:

1. On an empty stomach, after following all recommendations regarding preparation for the study the day before.
2. Two hours after oral administration of glucose in the amount of 75 g, dissolved in 250 ml of water - normally, after this time, the cells of the body must assimilate the glucose received from the intestine. If in this sample glucose is higher than normal, there is every reason to assume pathological reasons for its increase. When carrying out this test to a child, glucose is given in the form of sweets or syrup at the rate of 50 g.

A blood sugar test is prescribed by a doctor, if there is a suspicion of a violation of carbohydrate metabolism and the appearance of symptoms such as weight loss or, conversely, excess weight, prolonged thirst and increased urination.

Greetings, dear readers! As a medical professional, I am often asked how to donate blood for sugar (for some reason, people have more accustomed to this name of glucose), how to properly prepare for the delivery of this test. Glucose is a necessary component for the normal functioning of our body and serves as a source of energy for us, therefore, the correct preparation for the test is the key to the correct test result.

According to statistics, in the world 6% of the population suffers diabetes mellitus 2 types, and in Russia this figure exceeded 3 million. And this is just the official data. In fact, this figure is much higher. According to doctors - endocrinologists, this figure is 3-4 times more, because many have this disease, but for various reasons it has not yet been identified.

Why is this happening? Diabetes mellitus is asymptomatic for a long time, without showing itself. In this case, all systems of the body are affected, as a result of which the quality and duration of life is significantly reduced. And only an examination can reveal this disease. And the earlier this disease is detected, the more chances are to slow down the course of the disease.

Glucose is an essential component of human metabolism. This source of energy is essential for absolutely all cells in the body. Its main suppliers are bread, cereals, potatoes, pasta, fruits and vegetables, sugar and sweets.

Having taken carbohydrates with food into gastrointestinal tract are broken down to glucose. In the intestines, absorbed into the bloodstream, it reaches every cell in the body. But to get inside the cell, you need insulin, which is produced in the pancreas.

With each entry of glucose into the blood, and this happens after each meal, insulin is immediately released into the bloodstream. Therefore, after eating, a person always has increased content sugar, but for a short time. After a while, the level drops again to a certain level. Sugar should not "fall" below this level, otherwise the body will not have enough energy for its functioning.

But not all glucose goes to the functioning of the body, some of it goes to the depot, which is located in the muscles and liver. As soon as the body needs additional energy, and there is no supply of a new batch (the person did not have time to eat), glucose comes from the depot back into the blood and its level in the blood returns to normal.

Who is the analysis assigned to?

Determining the glucose level is necessary in order to know how glucose is absorbed and used by the body. Changes in the results indicate disorders of carbohydrate metabolism and the presence of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, all adults, in the interests of their health, should be tested for sugar once a year.

• people with blood relatives with diabetes mellitus;
• obese or overweight;
• people who have had thyrotoxicosis (a disease associated with increased production of thyroid hormones);
• women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy or have had miscarriages of unknown etiology;
• patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy.

Determination of blood glucose is included in biochemical analysis, therefore, there may be other situations for passing the analysis. Pregnant women, patients before surgery, as well as with some liver diseases are subject to compulsory examination.

Preparation for the test

To find out the blood sugar level, it is necessary to donate blood in the laboratory from a finger or a vein. But at the same time, it is very important to properly prepare for the delivery of the analysis.

For the reliability of the result, blood must be donated 8 hours after eating, that is, on an empty stomach, but no more than 14 hours. Usually it is done like this: in the evening you can have a light dinner, and just before taking the test, you can not eat or drink anything.

Prolonged fasting can also show an unreliable result: if a person has not eaten for a long time, then glucose begins to flow from the depot, and the analysis may show a false result, that is, more than it actually is.

You ask, but what to do if such an analysis should be passed to a child or a pregnant woman. Unfortunately, the rules for preparing for the test for children and pregnant women are the same, that is, blood should be donated on an empty stomach. If a woman can still tolerate 8 hours without problems, then with a child, of course, it is more difficult, especially if it is a small child. But the child will have to endure and in no case should he be fed or watered. Juices, tea are also food.

Usually, patients with diabetes mellitus and children are skipped for blood sampling for sugar without a queue.

Blood sugar rate

So, we passed the analysis, the laboratory technicians checked the blood and, of course, we are also interested in the result of the analysis. In different laboratories, the range of normal fasting glucose levels can vary, so you need to focus on the normal numbers indicated on the forms.

V capillary blood taken from a finger, the norm of blood sugar level is from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / l.

V venous blood or capillary plasma, the norm is about 12% higher and ranges from 3.6 to 6.1 mmol / l.

Deviations from the norm

Excess the level of glucose in the analysis indicates a violation of carbohydrate metabolism, which is often the case with diabetes mellitus. If this happens for the first time, then the doctor must prescribe an additional examination to clarify the diagnosis: definition glycated hemoglobin and a glucose tolerance test.

Downgrade glucose levels can sometimes be normal. This happens when the sugar level is below 3.3 mmol / L and general state remains satisfactory. This is usually attributed to an individual feature. But if the indicator is even lower than this figure, then additional examination is required.

Any deviation from the norm should alert you. An increase may be the result, especially in diabetic patients. But if you do not have this disease, you still need to pay attention to what we eat. Anything, cookies and baked goods, sweet and plentiful food can eventually lead to high blood sugar levels, which sometimes already leads to irreversible changes in the pancreas.

This is a joke! This does not happen in life!

Dear readers, I hope that you are now savvy in terms of correct delivery analysis for sugar. I wish you that this analysis was always normal for you. If the information was useful to you, share it with your friends in social. networks. And also subscribe to updates and you will be the first to learn many more interesting things, including how you can check your sugar at home.

Until next time on the pages of my blog! I was with you Taisiya Filippova.

About 6% of people from all over the world have diabetes mellitus, most often of the second type. But in reality, the number of patients is much higher, because on initial stage the course of the disease is latent.

However, even with an asymptomatic course, the disease has a negative effect on the body of a diabetic, which worsens the quality of life and shortens its duration. Therefore, to detect diabetes on early stage people in the risk category need to do a blood sugar test every 6 months or 1 year.

Patients are susceptible to a systematic increase in sugar levels:

1. taking glucocorticoids;
2. have relatives who have diabetes;
3. those who underwent gestational diabetes during pregnancy or those who had a miscarriage for unknown reasons;
4. obese;
5. recovered from thyrotoxicosis (an excess of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland).

Why does blood sugar fluctuate?

In fact, one or another degree of glucose concentration informs about how its synthesis and subsequent assimilation by the cells of the body takes place. However, this brief increase in performance is not always a cause for concern. After all, there are a number of physiological factors leading to short-term hyperglycemia.

So, sugar levels can rise for a couple of hours after eating a carbohydrate meal. But after some time, the indicators return to normal, as glucose enters the cells and is utilized in them.

Also, the time of day affects the concentration of sugar. So, in the carry-over it becomes higher after dinner.

Another factor leading to hyperglycemia is stress. Indeed, with emotional overstrain, adrenaline is produced - a hormone that has a sugar-increasing effect.

Intense sports activities require high energy expenditures. Therefore, the body needs more glucose for its utilization in myocytes, which contributes to a sharp jump in blood sugar.

TO pathological reasons hyperglycemia includes various diseases:

• Type 1 diabetes - occurs when the pancreas malfunctions, which does not produce insulin in full. This hormone is responsible for the absorption of glucose.
• Type 2 diabetes - in this case, the process of insulin production is not disrupted, but the cells lose their sensitivity to the hormone, which also prevents glucose from being fully absorbed.

Also, hyperglycemia occurs with an increased concentration of glucocorticosteroids and adrenaline - hormones that increase glucose levels through the breakdown of glycogen. Often, these conditions develop when there are tumors in the adrenal glands.

But the glucose concentration is not always overestimated. It so happens that her performance goes down. This happens with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, starvation, liver problems and the presence of a tumor in the pancreas.

But in order to accurately identify the causes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, it is necessary to properly prepare for donating blood for sugar.

After all, only compliance with all the rules will make it possible to obtain a reliable result.

Analysis for sugar: features, types, methods of blood sampling

With regard to donating blood for glucose levels, this is the method that is leading in diagnosing a dangerous disease - diabetes mellitus and other diseases of the endocrine system. You can conduct research at home using a blood glucose meter. But for the results to be correct, the device should be used correctly, because it is sensitive to prolonged exposure to oxygen.

Therefore, it is better to take the analysis for sugar for the first time in a laboratory. A self measurement can be carried out by people who have had diabetes for more than a year. But what is the correct way to use a glucometer?

Blood sampling from a patient using this device is done according to a certain scheme. First, a finger is pierced, then blood is applied to a test strip, which is inserted into the device. After a couple of seconds, the result is displayed on the screen.

The meter is accurate when it comes to maintaining the integrity and proper storage of the test strips. But for the first blood test for sugar, you should carefully and correctly prepare, therefore, it is better to conduct the study in laboratory conditions.

Sometimes venous blood is taken for analysis. But in this case, it is taken into account that the indicators may be overestimated due to the density of the biomaterial.

So, today, three methods are used to determine the level of sugar:

1. donating blood on an empty stomach;
2. measurement of indicators throughout the day;
3. testing under sugar load.

As an additional test, a glucose tolerance test may be performed. Sometimes the level of glycated hemoglobin in the blood is determined, which allows you to see the fluctuations in sugar concentration over the past 90 days.

It is worth noting that the research results vary. After all, a lot depends on the conditions and requirements of a particular laboratory.

Also, preparation for the test is of no small importance.

What to do before testing?

Requires preliminary preparation. If you need to donate blood for sugar, what preparation for testing has a significant impact on its results? For example, few people know that on the eve of the procedures, one should not engage in mental work or be very nervous.

In addition, fingers should be washed before capillary blood collection. This will make the study safer and avoid bias in the results.

First of all, preparation for a blood sugar test is that the patient should not eat food for 8-12 hours. But can you drink water during this period? It is allowed to take clear liquid before the examination, and sugary drinks and alcohol are prohibited.

Smokers, on the eve of the analysis, should give up cigarettes, which may distort the results. It is also not recommended to brush your teeth with a paste containing sugar.

If you have to donate blood for sugar, how to prepare for athletes and physically active people? On the eve, it is imperative to give up even minimal loads.

Those who take any medications should, if possible, refuse them during the study period. If this is not possible, then you need to inform the doctors from the laboratory about the features of the medication, be patient, which will allow them to correct the results.

How to prepare for a post-meal blood donation? The test is performed 1-1.5 hours after eating. At the same time, one should not give up drinking water, but drinking juices, alcohol and soda is prohibited.

Also, before the analyzes, it is prohibited:

• carry out therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, such as physiotherapy, massage, x-rays, ultrasound;
• participate in feasts;
• eat tightly before bedtime;
• eat fatty foods and fast food.

If blood sampling will be carried out from children, then care should be taken to ensure that their hands are thoroughly washed. In addition, you should not give your child sweets, chocolates and drinks.

Even drunk sweet juice can make the answer false positive.

What do the test results mean?

When conducting a study on an empty stomach normal performance in an adult - 3.88-6.38 mmol / l. In newborns, when taking blood without fasting, the data can vary from 2.78 to 4.44 mmol / L. In patients aged 10 years, the result ranges from 3.33 to 5.55 mmol / L.

If the sugar level is too high, then there is a high probability of having diabetes. Other reasons are endocrine diseases causing malfunctions of the pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands. Hyperglycemia also indicates epilepsy, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain medicines.

1. skipping medication or food in the presence of diabetes mellitus;
2. disruptions in metabolic processes;
3. poisoning (arsenic, chloroform, alcohol);
4. obesity;
5. fasting or following a strict diet;
6. the presence of various diseases (sarcoidosis, liver failure, stroke, vascular damage, etc.).

The video in this article will show you how to do a blood sugar test.

A blood sugar test is prescribed for an adult or child if there are any suspicious symptoms in the form of fatigue, fatigue, weakness, and thirst. To avoid development dangerous disease, it is recommended to have regular tests to control blood glucose levels. This is the best and most accurate way to control glucose today.

Blood sugar

Glucose is considered an essential nutrient that supplies energy to the body. However, blood sugar levels must be within a certain norm so as not to cause the development of a serious illness due to a decrease or increase in glucose.

It is necessary to be tested for sugar in order to have full information about the state of their health. If any pathology is detected, a full examination is carried out in order to find out the cause of the violation of the indicators, and the necessary treatment is prescribed.

Concentration of glucose healthy person usually at the same level, with the exception of some moments when hormonal changes occur. Jumps in indicators can be observed in adolescents during adulthood, the same applies to a child, in women during menstrual cycle, menopause or pregnancy. At other times, a slight fluctuation may be allowed, which usually depends on whether the tests were taken on an empty stomach or after a meal.

How to donate blood for sugar correctly

1. A blood sugar test can be taken in the laboratory or done at home using a glucometer. For the results to be accurate, it is important to follow all the requirements indicated by the doctor.
2. Before passing the analysis, some preparation is required. Before visiting the clinic, you must not take coffee and alcoholic drinks. It is correct to take a blood sugar test on an empty stomach. The last meal should be no earlier than 12 hours in advance.
3. Also, before getting tested, you should not use toothpaste to clean your teeth, as it usually contains increased amount Sahara. Similarly, you need to give up for a while chewing gum... Before donating blood for analysis, you must thoroughly wash your hands and fingers with soap and water so that the meter readings are not distorted.
4. All research should be carried out on the basis of a standard diet. Before taking the test, do not starve or overeat. Also, you can not get tested if the patient is suffering. acute illnesses... During pregnancy, doctors also take into account the peculiarities of the body.

Blood sampling methods for determining glucose levels

Today, there are two ways to measure a patient's blood glucose level. The first method is to take blood on an empty stomach in laboratory conditions at clinics.

The second option is to conduct a glucose test at home using a special device called a glucometer. To do this, a finger is pierced and a drop of blood is applied to a special test strip, which is inserted into the device. The test results can be seen after a few seconds on the screen.

Additionally, a venous blood test is taken. However, in this case, the indicators turn out to be overestimated due to a different density, which must be taken into account. Before taking the test, you should not eat in any way. Any food, even in small quantities, raises blood sugar levels, which is reflected in the indicators.

The meter is considered a fairly accurate device, but it is necessary to handle it correctly, monitor the shelf life of the test strips and do not use them if the packaging is broken. The device allows you to monitor the level of changes in blood sugar indicators at home. For more accurate data, it is better to take tests in a medical institution under the supervision of doctors.

Blood sugar rates

When taking an analysis on an empty stomach in an adult, the indicators are considered the norm if they are 3.88-6.38 mmol / l, this is exactly what it is. In a newborn child, the norm is 2.78-4.44 mmol / l, while in infants, blood sampling is taken in normal mode, without fasting. Children over 10 years old have a fasting blood sugar rate in the range of 3.33-5.55 mmol / l.

It is important to keep in mind that different laboratories can give scattered results, but a difference of a few tenths is not considered a violation. Therefore, in order to get really accurate results, it is worth going through the analysis in several clinics. You can also take a sugar test with an additional load to get a correct picture of the presence or absence of the disease.

Causes of Increased Blood Sugar

• High blood glucose levels can most often indicate the development of diabetes mellitus. However, this is not the main reason; a violation of the indicators can cause another disease.
• If no pathologies are identified, sugar may increase if the rules are not followed before testing. As you know, the day before you can not eat, overwork physically and emotionally.
• Also, overestimated indicators may indicate the presence of a violation of the functionality of the endocrine system, epilepsy, diseases of the pancreas, food and toxic poisoning of the body.
• If the doctor diagnosed diabetes mellitus or prediabetes, you need to take care of your diet, sit on a special therapeutic diet, go in for fitness, or simply start moving more often, lose weight and learn to control blood sugar levels. You should abandon flour, fatty. You need to eat at least six times a day in small portions. The consumption of calories per day should be no more than 1800 Kcal.

Causes of Decreased Blood Sugar

May talk about malnutrition, regular use of alcoholic beverages, soda water, flour and sugary foods. Organ diseases cause hypoglycemia digestive system, liver dysfunction and blood vessels, nervous disorders, as well as overweight.

After the results are received, you need to consult a doctor and find out the reason for the low rates. The doctor will conduct an additional examination and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Sugar (glucose) plays a significant role in the human body, providing it with the energy necessary for the functioning of all organs and tissues. An increase or decrease in the level of this carbohydrate in the blood indicates serious diseases, many of which are asymptomatic at the initial stages. Tests help control the amount of sugar in the blood; they can be done in the laboratory or at home.

Sugar regulation mechanism

Why is rising

Glucose enters the body with food in the composition of complex carbohydrates, which are broken down during digestion into simple components and released into the blood. After a meal, blood sugar rises, which increases the secretion of the pancreatic hormone insulin. The hormone promotes the absorption of glucose by cells, reducing its concentration in the blood to normal values.

However, the cells use only a fraction of the sugar that has entered the body. The main amount of this substance accumulates in the liver in the form of glycogen, from where it is consumed during physical or emotional stress. Insulin is also responsible for glycogen synthesis.

Why falls

A drop in blood sugar triggers the production of another pancreatic hormone, glucagon. It enhances the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and promotes the release of glucose from the depot. The adrenal hormone adrenaline has a similar effect.

Also, an increase in sugar levels at low levels or sudden needs provide:

• Hormones that stimulate gluconeogenesis - the formation of glucose from simpler substances. These include glucagon, adrenal medulla hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine), adrenal cortex hormones (glucocorticoids).
• Hormone thyroid gland thyroxine.
• Growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland.

Sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during stress, requiring increased energy consumption. Influence parasympathetic system conversely, it lowers blood sugar, which is most noticeable in the late night or early morning.

Norms

Sugar levels are measured in the morning on an empty stomach. In this case, capillary blood is taken from the finger. For venous blood, the permissible values ​​are slightly higher. If the result is questionable, a test is performed after glucose load - an oral glucose tolerance test. Also, to clarify the diagnosis, it is possible to conduct an analysis for glycated hemoglobin. At the same time, the norms for women and men are the same, but in childhood and during pregnancy, deviations are possible.

In adults

When measuring on an empty stomach, the decoding of glucose indicators in capillary blood is as follows:

• hypoglycemia - a decrease in blood sugar concentration, observed at values ​​below 3.5 millimoles per 1 liter of blood;
• the normal level is 3.5-5.5 millimoles in 1 liter of blood;
• violation of glucose tolerance (borderline state between norm and pathology) - 5.6-6.6 millimoles;
• hyperglycemia - an increase in the level of glucose in the blood, it is stated at rates above 6.7 millimoles per 1 liter of blood, such values ​​are characteristic of diabetes mellitus;
• when taking blood from a vein on an empty stomach, the norm is 4.1-5.9 millimoles per 1 liter, for the elderly, a value of up to 6.4 millimoles is permissible.

After glucose load:

• the norm is up to 7.7 millimoles per 1 liter of blood;
• violation of glucose tolerance - 7.8-11.1 millimol;
• diabetes mellitus - 11.2 millimoles and above.

Glycated hemoglobin level in total sugar:

• norm - 4.5-5.6%;
• the presence of a predisposition to diabetes mellitus - 5.7-6.4%;
• prediabetes - 6.5-6.9%;
• diagnosed diabetes mellitus - above 7%.

In children

V early age there is a physiological tendency to decrease the concentration of sugar in the blood.

When measured on an empty stomach:

• hypoglycemia - values ​​below 2.5 millimoles in 1 liter of blood;
• norm: in infants (children under 1 year old) - 2.78-4.4 millimoles per 1 liter of blood; in preschoolers - 3.3-5 millimoles; in children school age- 3.3-5.5 millimoles;
• hyperglycemia - above 6.1 millimoles in 1 liter of blood.

The norms for children after glucose load also differ from adults in a smaller direction. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed at values ​​of 7.7 millimoles per 1 liter of blood and above.

When examining venous blood in children taken on an empty stomach, values ​​up to 5.6 millimol are considered normal.

During pregnancy

Sugar levels for pregnant women are the same as for other adults. However, due to the restructuring of the body, some women experience insulin resistance - a decrease in the response of tissues to insulin. In this case, the development of the so-called gestational diabetes mellitus is possible. A violation is usually diagnosed in the middle of pregnancy - from 4 to 8 months, the glucose concentration exceeds 6.1 millimol per 1 liter of blood when tested on an empty stomach and 7.8 millimol after glucose load.

Pregnancy hyperglycemia is usually asymptomatic and resolves after delivery. However, in the absence of compensatory therapy, this condition affects the development of the fetus and can lead to severe pathologies.

Also, about 50% of women who have had gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 15 years after giving birth.

Deviations

The reasons for the increase and decrease in blood sugar levels can be various diseases:

Elevated

Observed in the following cases:

Diabetes

It is a persistent rise in blood sugar levels caused by a lack of insulin in the body.

The main reasons for its occurrence are serious illness pancreas:

• severe pancreatitis;
• the consequences of cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis);
• removal of the pancreas.

Also, diabetes mellitus occurs due to diseases accompanied by increased secretion of counterinsular hormones, which block the work of insulin, reduce its production and contribute to the early decay:

• hormonally active tumor of glucagonoma - accompanied by the production of glucagon;
• acromegaly, gigantism - increased secretion of growth hormone;
• thyrotoxicosis - increased levels of thyroid hormones;
• tumor of the adrenal medulla pheochromocytoma - formed with adrenaline hyperactivity;
• with Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, the level of hormones of the adrenal cortex increases.

Other reasons

Also, an increase in blood glucose can be triggered by the following conditions:

• physiological - an increase in sugar is caused by food intake, intense training or psychological stress;
• severe pain syndrome;
• burns or frostbite;
• epileptic seizure;
• severe attack of angina pectoris;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• stomach surgery and duodenum- cause rapid absorption of glucose from the intestines into the blood;
• traumatic brain injury with damage to the hypothalamus - the ability of tissues to utilize glucose decreases;
• severe liver damage - provoke a violation of the ability to synthesize glycogen from glucose;
• long-term use of drugs - corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, some antihypertensive and psychotropic drugs, estrogen-containing drugs (including oral contraceptives), catecholamines;
• genetic predisposition, which is realized with obesity, stress, malnutrition, low mobility, smoking, alcoholism, concomitant pathologies (atherosclerosis, hypertension).

The most severe complications high sugar are coma that develop gradually, but are often fatal.

Reduced

The reasons for the decrease in blood sugar levels are:

Improper treatment of diabetes mellitus

Among the incorrect actions:

• overdose of drugs;
• incorrect administration of medications - for example, intramuscular injection of insulin instead of subcutaneous;
• inaccuracies in diet - prolonged fasting;
• diarrhea or vomiting;
• alcohol intake;
• the use of certain medicines - acetylsalicylic acid, certain antibiotics, antihistamines, sulfonamides.

Other reasons

Also, hypoglycemia is possible under the following conditions:

• diseases accompanied by malabsorption syndrome, in which the absorption of glucose into the blood is difficult;
• severe diseases of the liver parenchyma that prevent the release of glucose from the depot - hepatic necrosis in toxic or infectious lesions;
• endocrine pathologies with a decrease in the synthesis of counterinsular hormones: hypopituitarism - hypofunction of the pituitary gland, Addison's disease - a lack of adrenal cortex hormones, hypothyroidism, increased production of insulin.

From energy starvation caused by low level glucose, brain cells are primarily affected.

The main symptoms are sweating, nausea, hunger, anxiety, and inability to concentrate. Prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to loss of orientation in space and inappropriate behavior. Lack of therapy leads to hypoglycemic coma.

Training

Glucose levels are never stable, even in a healthy person. Its change is influenced by many factors and in order to obtain reliable data, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules:

• the test should be taken on an empty stomach, 8-12 hours after eating;
• for 8 hours before the study, you can only drink water;
• 2-3 days before blood sampling, do not drink alcohol, exclude fatty, sour, spicy foods from the diet;
• do not engage in intense training for a few days, avoid stressful situations;
• in the morning before the analysis, you can not brush your teeth and use chewing gum;
• do not smoke for as long as possible before the study (recommended minimum - 1 hour);
• stop taking medications a week before blood sampling, if this is not possible, warn the attending physician about the medications being taken;
• the results of the analysis can distort the carried out shortly ultrasonography, X-ray, physiotherapy, massage, baths or saunas;
• if you feel unwell, the study should be postponed until recovery.

If the analysis is carried out after a meal, at least 1-1.5 hours should pass between meals and blood sampling - during this time the food is absorbed and sugar enters the bloodstream.

There are also rules for conducting a test at home using a glucometer:

• before taking blood, it is advisable to warm up your hands - wash with warm water or hold them near the battery, this will improve blood circulation;
• the puncture site must be pre-dried, otherwise the blood will mix with water, which can distort the result;
• the puncture is made on the pads of the inner surface of the fingers, to reduce pain it is better to do this not in the center, but a little from the side;
• with frequent analysis, it is necessary to change the places of the fence - this will help to avoid skin thickening and inflammation;
• do not squeeze the finger too much, otherwise blood may mix with tissue fluid and distort the data;
• the first drop of blood is not used for the test; it must be carefully wiped off with a dry cotton pad;
• it is necessary to remove the drop of blood before it is smeared so that it is absorbed into the test strip.

Types of analyzes

The following methods are used to determine blood sugar levels:

The main

• Laboratory- is a collection of capillary or venous blood in medical institutions for subsequent biochemical research. Often included in general analysis blood.
• Express method- carried out using a special portable device (glucometer). Measurement is possible at home, but if the test strips are not stored correctly or the batteries are dead, the result will be incorrect. The method is suitable for patients with diabetes mellitus to control the course of the disease.