An increase in blood glucose is called What does an increase and decrease in blood glucose mean? Elevated blood glucose: causes, symptoms

The classic list of external symptoms of high blood glucose includes:

Constant intense thirst.
Sharp non-dynamic increases or.
Frequent urination.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes.
Vision problems, spasms of accommodative muscles.
Weak immune response to infections, poor wound healing.
Deep noisy breathing, medium form of hyperventilation.
In acute forms of hyperglycemia, severe dehydration, ketoacidosis, impaired consciousness, and in some cases coma are observed.

It should be understood that the above signs can be indicators of the symptoms of various diseases, therefore, if at least a few negative manifestations are found, you should consult a doctor and take tests to determine the exact diagnosis.

Possible reasons

Most often, the cause of the symptom is:

. In the vast majority of cases, chronic manifestation of hyperglycemia is the main characteristic of this disease.
Wrong nutrition. Severe disturbances in the normal diet, as well as the predominance of a high-calorie basis in food, can lead to acute forms of hyperglycemia and not be associated with its diabetic form.
Stress. Post-stress hyperglycemia is typical for patients with weak immunity, most often against the background of the development of a local inflammatory process.
Severe infectious diseases of a wide spectrum.
Taking a number of medications - rituximab, corticosteroids, niacin, free-form asperaginase, beta-blockers, 1-2 generation antidepressants, protease inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, fentimidine.
Chronic deficiency in the body, vitamins of group B.

Causes of high sugar levels in adults and pregnant women

As medical practice shows, in 90 percent of cases, persistent chronic hyperglycemia in adults is a manifestation of diabetes mellitus, mainly type 2. Additional negative factors are usually poorly developed circadian rhythms of sleep and wakefulness, stress at work, as well as a sedentary lifestyle accompanied by obesity.

Elevated blood sugar levels deserve special attention - hyperglycemia here can be temporary in nature, associated with the restructuring of the body as a whole and hormonal changes in particular (physiological manifestation), or be a special type of diabetes mellitus - the so-called gestational diabetes mellitus, which occurs during pregnancy and often disappears after childbirth. If in the first case, the usual medical monitoring of the patient's condition is sufficient, in the second case, the disease, which is detected in 4-5 percent of women in an interesting position, can harm both the fetus and the health of the expectant mother, so experts prescribe complex therapy, taking into account the current physiology sick.

Causes of High Blood Sugar in Newborns and Children

In children of primary school and adolescence, hyperglycemia is usually associated with a number of factors - malnutrition, stress and the development of infectious and inflammatory processes against the background of activation of activated endogenous counter-insulin hormones, which are produced in large quantities with the active growth of the body. Only in some cases, after the exclusion of all the above reasons, children are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, mainly type 1.

Neonatal hyperglycemia deserves special attention - it is caused by a number of factors that are usually not related to the classical causes of symptoms in children and adults. In the vast majority of cases, an increase in blood sugar levels is due to the active intravenous administration of glucose in newborns with a small body weight. In premature babies in the first days of life, hyperglycemia is a manifestation of a lack of a hormone that breaks down proinsulin, often against the background of incomplete resistance to insulin itself.

The transient type of hyperglycemia can also be caused by the introduction of glucocorticosteroids, fungal sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxia. As modern medical statistics show, more than half of newborns admitted to the intensive care unit for one reason or another have elevated blood sugar levels. Although high glucose levels are less common than classical hypoglycemia, the likelihood of complications and the risk of death is greater here.

Diagnostics

A set of basic diagnostic measures to detect elevated blood sugar levels include texts and testing. If you have mild hyperglycemia, it is quite difficult to determine it yourself using a classic convenient glucometer. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate tests.

on an empty stomach A well-known orthotoluidine method that determines the concentration of glucose in plasma without taking into account other reducing components. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach (12 hours before the analysis, it is necessary to refuse to eat, take medications and exercise). If the primary diagnosis reveals deviations from the norm, the specialist directs the patient for additional studies.
loading method. It is carried out mainly in a day / round-the-clock hospital. In the morning, blood is donated on an empty stomach, adhering to the rules of the first method, after which glucose is dosed into the body and after a few hours, blood is taken again. If the results of the secondary test threshold of 11 mmol / l are exceeded, the doctor usually makes a diagnosis of hyperglycemia.
Clarifying reducing method. Donating blood for analysis, taking into account other components - in particular, uric acid, ergonine, creatinine. Allows you to clarify the diagnosis and identify possible related problems - for example, diabetic nephropathy.

Possible consequences

Hyperglycemia is just a symptom that indicates a malfunction of the body's systems or diabetes. However, this does not mean that there are no complications with high blood sugar levels. The most dangerous consequence of this pathological condition is ketoacidosis. This violation of carbohydrate metabolism significantly increases the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood plasma, most often against the background of diabetes of any type of decompensation stage, which in turn provokes ketonuria, arrhythmia, respiratory disorders, the rapid progress of sluggish infections present in the body, dehydration. In some cases, in the absence of a proper qualified medical response, a diabetic / hyperglycemic coma develops, and after the pH level (acidity of the body) drops to 6.8, clinical death occurs.

How to lower blood sugar levels?

Therapy for hyperglycemia is aimed at temporarily eliminating high blood glucose levels, as well as treating the underlying disease that caused this pathological condition.

Medicines and drugs that lower blood sugar levels:

Direct injection of insulin. The dosage is selected individually, in the precoma state, preparations of ultra-short maximally rapid action are used - humalog, humulin.
The use of oral hypoglycemic agents. Groups of drugs based on benzoic acids, sensitizers, A-glucosidase inhibitors, amino acids phenylalanine, sulfonylurea - maninil, metformin, etc.
Abundant drink. A weak solution of baking soda in severe forms of hyperglycemia.
In the medium term - a therapeutic diet.

Nutrition and diet

Since persistent hyperglycemia in the vast majority of cases is a manifestation of diabetes mellitus, a proper diet is essential for effective treatment of the problem.

It is especially important to stick to a diet in case of detection of type 1 diabetes. Base - exclusion from the diet of food based on easily digestible carbohydrates, as well as the maximum balance of the diet in terms of calories, fats and proteins.

Foods that lower blood sugar

Of the variety of products on the domestic market, with a high level of glucose in the blood, it is necessary to choose those that have the lowest glycemic index. It should be understood that there is no food that would reduce sugar - all low-glycemic food known at the moment practically does not increase its level, however, it cannot relieve a person of hyperglycemia on its own.

Seafood - lobster, crabs and spiny lobsters have one of the lowest glycemic indexes.
Soy cheeses - in particular tofu.
Cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, lettuce.
Spinach, soy, broccoli.
Mushrooms.
Separate types of fruits - lemons, avocados, grapefruit, cherries.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, celery, carrots, asparagus, horseradish.
Fresh onion, Jerusalem artichoke.
Separate types of spices - ginger, mustard, cinnamon.
Oils - linseed or rasp.
Foods rich in fiber - legumes, nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds), cereals (oatmeal).
Lentils.

All of the above products are on the "green list" and can be consumed without fear for people with hyperglycemia.

Diet

Modern medicine considers diet to be one of the main factors in normalizing the quality of life and health of patients with hyperglycemia, which plays a key role in the treatment of diabetes and allows effective compensation of carbohydrate metabolism.

For patients diagnosed with the first type of diabetes, diet is mandatory and vital. In type 2 diabetics, on the other hand, proper nutrition is often aimed at correcting body weight.

The basic concept of a diet is a bread unit, the equivalent of 10 grams of carbohydrates. For people with hyperglycemia, detailed tables have been developed indicating this parameter for most modern foods present in the diet.

When determining the daily set of such products, it is imperative to exclude any refined food, sweets, sugar and limit as much as possible pasta, white bread, rice / semolina, as well as diet components with refractory fats, focusing on carbohydrate foods with a large amount of dietary fiber. and not forgetting the balance of polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids.

It is advisable to eat food fractionally, developing a daily diet for three main and 2-3 additional meals. The daily set for the classic 2 thousand calories for a person with hyperglycemia without complications and an indicative menu includes:

Breakfast 1 - 50 grams of black bread, one egg, 5 grams of butter, a glass of milk, 40 grams of allowed cereals.
Breakfast 2 - 25 grams of black bread, 100 grams of fruit and low-fat cottage cheese.
Lunch - 50 grams of permitted bread, 100 grams of lean meat and potatoes, 20 grams of dried fruits, 200 grams of vegetables and 10 grams of vegetable oil.
Snack - 25 grams of black bread and 100 grams of fruit / milk.
Dinner - 25 grams of bread, 80 grams of low-fat fish or seafood, 100 grams of potatoes, vegetables and fruits, 10 grams of vegetable oil.
Before going to bed - 25 grams of bread and a glass of low-fat yogurt.

Any replacement of products is possible with calorie equivalents within the four main basic groups:

Vegetables, fruits / berries, bread, cereals.
Cottage cheese, low-fat varieties of fish / meat.
Sour cream, cream, oils.
Milk/eggs and other components containing a variety of food ingredients.

The use of sweeteners, so popular at the beginning of the new century, is currently being criticized by large groups of nutritionists because of their high calorie content, so we do not recommend abusing them, in extreme cases, using them strictly limited in your daily diet.

Useful video

Elevated blood sugar

Elena Malysheva. Treatment of diabetes

The level of glucose in the blood is one of the markers of health, in particular the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. A shift in this indicator upward or downward can lead to disruption of the functioning of vital organs, and primarily the brain. In this topic, we want to tell you what is the norm of blood glucose in women, men and children, and also with the help of which study to determine it.

Glucose (dextrose) is a sugar that is formed during the breakdown of polysaccharides and takes part in the metabolic processes of the human body.

Glucose performs the following tasks in the human body:

turns into energy necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems;
restores the strength of the body after physical activity;
stimulates the detoxification function of hepatocytes;
activates the production of endorphins, which improves mood;
supports the work of blood vessels;
eliminates hunger;
activates brain activity.

How to determine the content of glucose in the blood?

Indications for the appointment of measuring blood glucose may include the following symptoms:

causeless fatigue;
decrease in working capacity;
trembling in the body;
increased sweating or dry skin;
anxiety attacks;
constant hunger;
dry mouth;
strong thirst;
frequent urination;
drowsiness;
blurred vision;
tendency to purulent rashes on the skin;
long non-healing wounds.

To determine the level of glucose in the blood, the following types of studies are used:

blood glucose test (blood biochemistry);
an analysis that determines the concentration of fructosamine in venous blood;
glucose tolerance test.
determination of the level of glycosylated hemoglobin.

Using a biochemical analysis, you can determine the level of glucose in the blood, which normally ranges from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / l. This method is used as a preventive study.

The concentration of fructosamine in the blood allows you to evaluate the level of glucose in the blood, which during the last three weeks before blood sampling. The method is indicated for monitoring the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

The glucose tolerance test determines the level of glucose in the blood serum, normal on an empty stomach and after a load of sugar. First, the patient donates blood on an empty stomach, then drinks a solution of glucose or sugar and donates blood again after two hours. This method is used in the diagnosis of hidden disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.

In order for the indicators as a result of biochemistry to be as accurate as possible, you need to properly prepare for the study. For this, the following rules must be observed:

donate blood in the morning strictly on an empty stomach. The last meal should be no later than eight hours before blood sampling;
before the study, you can drink only pure non-carbonated water without sugar;
do not drink alcohol two days before blood sampling;
two days before the analysis, limit physical and mental stress;
eliminate stress two days before the test;
for two days before the test, you can not visit the sauna, do massage, X-ray studies or physiotherapy procedures;
two hours before blood sampling, you can not smoke;
if you are constantly taking any drugs, you should inform the doctor who ordered the analysis about this, as they can affect the result of biochemistry. If possible, such drugs are temporarily canceled.

For the express method (using a glucomert), blood is taken from a finger. The test result will be ready in one or two minutes. Measurement of blood sugar levels with a glucometer is often performed in patients with diabetes, as a daily control. Patients independently determine sugar levels.

Other methods determine blood sugar from a vein. The results of the analyzes are issued the next day.

Blood glucose norms: table by age

The norm of glucose in women depends on age, as the following table clearly demonstrates.

The norm of blood glucose in men the same as the norm in women and ranges from 3.3 to 5.6 mmol / l.

As can be seen from the table, the normal blood glucose in children contains less than in adults.

Glucose tolerance test:

Indicators of glycosylated hemoglobin (glucose in blood plasma), %:

less than 5.7 - the norm;
from 5.8 to 6.0 - high risk of diabetes;
from 6.1 to 6.4 - prediabetes;
6.5 and more - diabetes.

The norm of blood glucose during pregnancy

In pregnant women without risk factors for diabetes, a biochemical blood test and a glucose tolerance test are performed at 24-28 weeks.

If a woman has risk factors for developing diabetes, namely:

age over 30;
hereditary predisposition;
overweight and obesity.

Blood glucose levels in pregnant women allow timely diagnosis of the risk of gestational diabetes, which can turn into type 2 diabetes. Also, blood sugar can be used to judge the well-being of intrauterine development of the fetus.

Blood glucose in pregnant women is considered normal - from 4 to 5.2 mmol / l.

Hyperglycemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Hyperglycemia is an increase in blood sugar levels above 5 mmol/l. Patients may experience both short-term and permanent increases in blood sugar. Factors such as a strong psycho-emotional shock, excessive physical activity, smoking, abuse of sweets, and taking certain medications can lead to a short-term jump in blood glucose.

Long-term hyperglycemia is associated with various diseases. In the blood, glucose can increase for the following pathological reasons:

thyroid disease;
diseases of the adrenal glands;
diseases of the pituitary gland;
epilepsy;
carbon monoxide intoxication;
diseases of the pancreas;
diabetes.

Patients may experience the following symptoms of hyperglycemia:

general weakness;
fast fatiguability;
frequent headaches;
causeless weight loss with increased appetite;
dry skin and mucous membranes;
excessive thirst;
frequent urination;
tendency to pustular skin diseases;
long non-healing of wounds;
frequent colds;
itching of the genitals;
deterioration of vision.

Treatment of hyperglycemia is to determine its cause. If the increase in blood sugar is caused by diabetes mellitus, then patients are prescribed a low-carbohydrate diet, sugar-lowering drugs, or insulin replacement therapy, depending on the type of disease.

Hypoglycemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Hypoglycemia in medicine is called lowering the glucose level below 3.3 mmol / l.

Most often, hypoglycemia is recorded in patients with diabetes mellitus in the following situations:

incorrect selection of the dose of insulin;
starvation;
excessive physical work;
alcohol abuse;
taking drugs that are incompatible with insulin.

In healthy people, hypoglycemia can occur as a result of a strict diet or fasting, which is accompanied by excessive exercise.

Hypoglycemia may cause the following symptoms:

dizziness;
headaches;
fainting;
irritability;
drowsiness;
tachycardia;
pale skin;
increased sweating.

To increase blood sugar levels, you need to drink sweet tea, eat a piece of sugar, candy or honey. In severe cases, when consciousness is disturbed in patients with diabetes, infusion therapy with glucose is indicated.

As a result, I would like to say that if you have symptoms of hyper- or hypoglycemia, contact a specialist immediately, first of all, a general practitioner. The doctor will prescribe you a study to determine the level of glucose in the blood, and if necessary, refer you for a consultation with an endocrinologist.

Watch a video about blood glucose.

Glucose is one of the substances necessary for the body, nourishing and saturating its cells with energy. But its increased concentration can adversely affect the state of health and well-being.

The permissible sugar level for an adult is from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol / l. Hyperglycemia is an increase in blood glucose, which may be pathological or physiological in nature.

The most common causes of high blood sugar in women are malnutrition, pathological processes in the body and mental disorder. This condition is dangerous for its possible complications, so it requires an immediate response from the person. Rapid diagnosis and competent treatment aimed at adjusting sugar levels will gently and effectively cope with the symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Causes of hyperglycemia

To achieve the most effective treatment, the doctor determines what is the cause of the increase in blood sugar in women.

Consider the diseases that often provoke the development of hyperglycemia:

Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin. The patient abruptly loses or gains weight, experiencing an insatiable feeling of hunger and thirst. During an increase in blood sugar, the patient's urine contains glucose;
pheochromocytoma involves the release of a large amount of hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine). In humans, sometimes to abnormal levels, sweating increases, heart rate increases, outbreaks of uncontrollable anger begin;
pathologies of the endocrine system: thyrotoxicosis, Cushing's disease, which provoke a jump in hormones, which leads to the release of glucose into the blood;
pathology of the pancreas, which is responsible for the production of the hormone insulin. It can be in a chronic or acute form or an oncological disease.
cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, malignant tumor;
taking certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among them: psychotropic, diuretics, prednisolone and oral contraceptives.

Elevated blood sugar is a clinical symptom that has arisen as a result of a particular disease. As you can see, the causes of high blood sugar in women, in addition to diabetes, are very extensive.

The causes of high blood glucose in women may also be as follows:

smoking;
overweight and obesity;
genetic predisposition;
stressful situation or nervous breakdown;
sedentary and secluded lifestyle;
abuse;
systematic overeating and abuse of high-calorie foods;
a recent meal keeps the sugar level at an elevated level until the food is completely assimilated;
systematic mental or physical overwork.

Short-term hyperglycemia can be triggered by such phenomena:

pronounced pain syndrome;
seizure with epilepsy;
severe attack of angina pectoris;
acute myocardial infarction;
traumatic brain injury;
operations on the digestive tract.

Causes of high blood sugar in women

Women are more impressionable than members of the opposite sex, which means they are more prone to stress and disorders of the nervous system.

They also tend to abuse sweets, which leads to ingestion, contributing to an increase in blood sugar levels. This often leads to excess weight.

The reasons that cause an increase in glucose in women include everything listed in the previous section. In addition, another possible cause of high blood sugar in women is the premenstrual period.

Pregnancy makes the body work at an accelerated pace, and the pancreas does not always cope with such a load. This leads to an increase in the concentration of sugar in the expectant mother. Thus, gestational diabetes develops, which requires immediate treatment.

If you do not take prompt and competent treatment of gestational diabetes, such dangerous complications can develop:

oxygen starvation of the fetus, which will lead to early birth;
an excessively large fetus, which will greatly complicate childbirth;
congenital malformation of the pancreas in the unborn child;
problems with the mental development of the unborn child.

With the development of gestational diabetes, a pregnant woman begins to experience all the symptoms of a pathological syndrome. Glucose levels stabilize immediately after delivery.

Symptoms

As a rule, hyperglycemia is accompanied by a number of symptoms, negatively affecting the patient's well-being. Their intensity depends on the stage of development of the syndrome.

The main signs of high blood sugar include:

insatiable feeling of hunger;
a noticeable decrease in body weight;
itching of the skin;
dry mouth;
loud and irregular breathing;
decrease in visual functions;
frequent urge to urinate and painful emptying of the bladder, which is associated with an increase in fluid intake;
arrhythmia and increased pressure is due to a decrease in kidney functionality. Excess fluid "gets stuck" in the body and contributes to a jump in blood pressure;
constant thirst is understandable, since glucose attracts water. As soon as the sugar level rises, fluid is removed from the entire body, which leads to a constant need for a glass of water;
headache, fatigue and constant fatigue are caused by starvation of the brain, which receives energy from the ingestion of glucose. In the case of insulin deficiency, the brain begins to experience a lack of basic nutrition and uses additional sources of energy - fat oxidation;
wounds and cuts that do not heal for a long time and begin to fester, which is associated with energy starvation of tissue cells;
the smell of acetone from the mouth is provoked by the oxidation of fats and an increase in the number of ketone bodies in the blood.

Correction of the patient's condition reaches its maximum efficiency in the early stages of the development of hyperglycemia. If you do not promptly resort to the help of a specialist, the patient begins to develop dangerous complications, which sometimes lead to death.

Rules for normalizing blood sugar levels

If hyperglycemia has manifested itself with characteristic symptoms, but has not reached a critical point, you can return glucose to an acceptable range using the following rules:

clean the body of toxins, toxins and other debris, thereby eliminating the causes of failure of the functions of system organs. One of the most effective cleansing options is a salt-free diet;
not to heal, but to completely cure all existing pathologies, so that the body fully restores its strength;
bring everything back to normal;
stop consuming nicotine;
regularly perform small physical activity and take walks in the fresh air;
adhere to a special diet, excluding "simple" carbohydrates, starchy foods, alcohol, sugar-containing fruits and fatty foods;
an excellent effect is achieved thanks to some traditional medicine;
drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day: fruit drinks, rosehip infusion, decoctions of herbs, green;
eat small meals, avoid overeating.

Before proceeding with the implementation of treatment, you should undergo a diagnosis in a medical institution and get advice from a practitioner. A competent doctor will adjust the diet and select the most effective folk recipes to lower glucose levels.

A little about the role of glucose

After food enters the body, the processes of their processing are launched. Carbohydrates, like proteins, lipids, begin to break down into small components, including the monosaccharide glucose. Further, glucose is absorbed through the intestinal walls and enters the bloodstream, high blood sugar levels are considered physiological. This state does not last long, until the compensatory mechanisms are turned on.

The pancreas receives a signal from the central nervous system about the need to return glycemia to normal limits. There is a release of a certain amount of the hormonally active substance insulin. It transports sugar to cells and tissues, "opening doors for them."

Against the background of a number of pathological conditions, insulin cannot send sugar to the cells due to its insufficient amount or in cases where the tissues of the body lose their sensitivity to it. That is, the cells simply "do not see" the hormonally active substance. Both mechanisms for the development of high blood sugar are characteristic of diabetes mellitus, but for its different types.

Diabetes is one of the causes of high blood sugar levels.

In addition to the "sweet sickness", there are other conditions that may be accompanied by a temporary or long-term high blood glucose. However, before moving on to the question of the causes, you should understand which glycemic numbers are considered acceptable and which are outside the normal range.

What numbers of sugar are considered normal?

Normal blood glucose levels are those numbers that are considered optimal for the normal functioning of the body and the flow of vital processes. There are figures approved by the Ministry of Health that are considered normal. The indicators depend on the following points:

venous blood is used to check or capillary;
age group;
the presence of associated pathological processes.

From the moment of birth and during the first 28 days of a child's life, the allowed maximum is 4.4 mmol / l. If glucose is below 2.8 mmol / l, one can think about its critical decrease. From 1 month of life to 5-6 years, the permissible maximum rises to 5 mmol / l, then - to 5.55 mmol / l, which corresponds to the glycemia figures of an adult.

Important! The minimum threshold is 3.33 mmol / l, in the case of a decrease in numbers, we are talking about hypoglycemia. Both conditions (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia) are considered dangerous for the human body.

During pregnancy, the sugar rate remains the same as that of an adult, however, at this time, the development of gestational diabetes is possible. This is a condition in which the cells of a woman's body lose sensitivity to insulin (similar to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Pathology disappears after the baby is born.

You can read more about the increase in sugar during pregnancy in this article.

With increasing age, the sensitivity of tissues with insulin receptors gradually decreases, which is associated with a decrease in the number of receptors themselves and an increase in body weight. Accordingly, the allowable glycemia figures in the elderly are slightly shifted upwards.

Causes of an increase in glucose

High blood sugar causes an incorrect menu. An excess of incoming carbohydrates can increase the numbers of glucose in the bloodstream, however, this condition is considered physiological.

If the pancreas is up to the task, the signs of hyperglycemia will be minimal and temporary, as insulin will return the indicators to normal. It should be thought that part of the sugar will be deposited in fatty tissues, which means that a person’s body weight will increase.

Abuse of carbohydrate food is one of the etiological factors of hyperglycemia.

In addition, there may be problems:

on the part of the cardiovascular system - high blood pressure numbers and a high risk of heart attacks;
on the part of lipid metabolism - the amount of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides increases dramatically, which provokes the development of an atherosclerotic process;
on the part of the sensitivity of cell receptors to the hormone insulin - over time, cells and tissues “see worse” the hormone.

When a person's high weight is combined with one or more of the above manifestations, the doctor confirms the presence of a metabolic syndrome, which over time can transform into an insulin-independent form (type 2) of diabetes mellitus.

Medicines

High blood sugar can occur during therapy with certain medications:

diuretics;
hormones of the adrenal cortex;
glucagon;
non-selective beta-blockers.

Stress

The next reason is the impact on the body of stressful situations. This factor does not act directly, but through a decrease in protective forces, a slowdown in metabolic processes. In addition, stress stimulates the synthesis of hormones that are considered insulin antagonists, that is, they reduce its action and production by the pancreas.

infections

Diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature also affect the fact that increased blood glucose is observed. In order for the human body to resist pathological agents, it needs energy resources. The liver starts the process of gluconeogenesis - an independent synthesis of glucose from the reserves of non-carbohydrate substances. The result is temporary hyperglycemia, which does not require special treatment.

Insulin deficiency

One of the important reasons that becomes a key factor in the development of type 1 diabetes. The lack of insulin production is hereditary. Often develops at a young age, occurs even in children.

An increase in blood sugar is provoked by the fact that the hormone is not enough to transport glucose molecules to cells and tissues. The body's own immune system destroys the insulin secretory cells of its own pancreas. Part of the sugar is processed by the liver, the rest is excreted in the urine. A small amount is deposited in reserve in fatty tissues. Over time, hyperglycemia becomes toxic, as its indicators are considered critical.

The mechanism of development of "sweet disease" type 1

The following structural elements suffer:

brain cells;
blood vessels;
peripheral nervous system;
kidneys;
visual analyzer;
lower limbs.

Tumor processes

There are several types of tumors that can provoke the development of hyperglycemia. These include pheochromocytoma and glucagonoma. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal cortex. When it occurs, the production of contrainsular hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine), which are insulin antagonists, increases.

Glucagonoma is a hormonally active tumor that independently produces glucagon. This hormone also has the opposite effect, which reduces insulin levels in the blood.

Classification

There are several degrees of condition, which are divided depending on the indicators of sugar:

Mild degree - glucose does not exceed 8.3 mmol / l. Symptoms may be mild or almost invisible.
Average degree - sugar does not cross the line of 11 mmol / l. Symptoms of pathology are well expressed.
Severe degree - above 11.1 mmol / l. Most people already have signs of ketoacidosis.

If glucose crosses the threshold of 16 mmol / l, we are talking about a critical increase, the development of a state of precoma. Above 50 mmol / l - hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma.

signs

Unfortunately, the initial stage of the pathological process remains unnoticed. Physiological hyperglycemia has practically no manifestations. The desire to drink plenty of fluids is the only symptom, and even that is temporary.

Important! In diabetes mellitus, noticeable symptoms that elevated blood glucose levels appear in the event of the death of more than 85% of the pancreatic insulin secretory cells. This explains the incurability of the pathological process.

The severity of symptoms indicates the severity of the condition.

Later, the patient has the following complaints:

weight loss with increased appetite;
frequent urge to urinate;
pathological thirst;
feeling of dryness in the mouth;
itching of the skin, frequent rashes of an unclear nature;
constant fatigue;
drowsiness;
depressive state.

High levels of glycemia are found in the blood test, later in the urine. With the progression of hyperglycemia, the manifestations of pathology become more pronounced.

You can read more about the symptoms of high blood sugar in this article.

Critical conditions

Critical blood sugar levels can lead to the development of a coma, and in the absence of help, even be fatal. It happens like this:

Due to the fact that glucose does not enter the cells, the latter experience energy depletion.
The liver reacts to this, starting to synthesize sugar on its own, but there is already so much of it in the blood.
The body tries to solve the problem in a different way, processing existing fat cells into energy.
As a result of such processes, acetone (ketone) bodies are released into the blood, which nourish the cells, but sharply violate the pH of the blood.
This condition is called ketoacidosis and is considered one of the acute complications of diabetes.

Important! With a blood acidity of 7.0, a person falls into a coma, if the numbers drop to 6.87, death occurs.

When confirming the development of complications, the doctor relies on laboratory parameters

With a high content of acetone bodies in the blood, the body tries to get rid of them by excreting them in the urine (ketonuria). In the exhaled air of a sick person, an acetone smell is also noticed. There is a severe headache, the symptoms of hyperglycemia are very pronounced. Appears abdominal pain syndrome, nausea and vomiting, breathing becomes loud and deep.

The condition requires immediate medical attention. If a person enters a coma, he can only be saved for 4-8 hours.

First aid and principles of treatment

What to do with the development of ketoacidosis and how to treat the state of hyperglycemia, the endocrinologist will tell you. With a critical rise in glucose in the bloodstream, the following recommendations are followed:

You need to know the level of glycemia. At home, this can be done using a glucometer, in a hospital - by laboratory methods (in capillary or venous blood serum).
Provide plenty of drinking fluids, but if a person is unconscious, water should not be poured into him.
Administer insulin if the person uses it.
If necessary, oxygen therapy with mandatory hospitalization.

In a hospital, a gastric lavage or an enema with a soda solution is carried out in order to restore the acid-base balance.

You can read more about what to do in case of an increase in glycemia in this article.

Further treatment is as follows. You should follow a low-carb diet, increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet, alcohol should be completely abandoned. You need to eat often, but in small portions, strictly observing the daily calorie intake, which is calculated individually. Sugar should be completely eliminated from the diet, it is allowed to use sweeteners.

An endocrinologist is a specialist who develops a treatment regimen for diabetes mellitus and other endocrinological disorders that cause hyperglycemia.

In type 1 diabetes, the insulin therapy regimen is corrected, and in type 2, glucose-lowering tablets are taken to return glycemia to normal levels. A prerequisite for treatment is an adequate level of physical activity. Performing special exercises causes additional stimulation of insulin production and increases the sensitivity of body cells and tissues to the hormone.

Last updated: October 7, 2019

Glucose is a vital element that, as a result of oxidation, turns into energy, without which human life is impossible. Entering the body along with carbohydrates, it penetrates the bloodstream and nourishes every cell of the body.

Elevated blood glucose - what does it mean?

The activity and well-being of a person directly depend on the level of glycemia - an indicator that characterizes the presence of sugar in the blood. When it becomes lower than normal or higher, then the failure of all organs is inevitable, which can subsequently lead to serious diseases. Especially you should not allow hyperglycemia - a condition in which How dangerous is it? The answer to this question will be the fact that an excess of sugar is the main one that can be prevented by taking action in time. To do this, it is important to listen to your body and not ignore the signals of violations in its work.

Elevated blood glucose: causes, symptoms

In order to start treatment in a timely manner at the initial stage, which is the main condition for its effectiveness, it is necessary to seek professional medical advice if you have the following symptoms:

The appearance of one of the above symptoms is possible with other diseases. If there are more of them, then this is an occasion to think that the sugar level is out of the norm. What are the causes and actions that contributed to this? When blood glucose is elevated, consider the following factors as a possible catalyst:

diabetes mellitus is the most basic cause;
excessive consumption of food, especially fast carbohydrates;
too long stay in a stressful situation;
previous severe infectious disease.

In order to better understand the mechanism of these symptoms, it is worth considering in more detail how elevated blood glucose is associated with each of them. What does this mean for the functioning of the whole organism?

How does the body respond to changes in glucose levels?

The reason for constant thirst lies in the fact that glucose molecules tend to attract water molecules to themselves. To prevent dehydration, the brain sends out a signal that encourages the patient to drink large amounts. The kidneys, in turn, begin to work hard to remove excess fluid from the body. This explains the frequent urination. In the event that kidney function is impaired, the condition may be complicated by high blood pressure, which can also be considered one of the signs of hypertension.

Two Types of Diabetes: What's the Difference?

The change in the patient's weight is related to the type of diabetes mellitus found in him. Type I is characterized by insufficient production of insulin, when the cells are completely deprived of glucose. At the same time, the body does not have the energy that it needs to perform vital functions. This explains the weight loss, which becomes noticeable to the naked eye.

The situation is completely opposite in type II diabetes, in which the patient is overweight. This is exactly the fault of the increased glucose in the blood. What does it mean? Insulin in this case is produced in sufficient or excessive quantities, but does not enter the cells, since the latter cannot react with it. The reason for this is tissue obesity, which does not disappear even due to energy starvation.

Wounds that do not heal for a long time are also a consequence of energy starvation. Hyperglycemia contributes to the development of a favorable environment for various microorganisms, due to which purulent processes begin. And leukocytes, the protective function of which is impaired by the absence of glucose, are not able to neutralize them.

The appearance of these symptoms is a reason to rush to a laboratory blood test and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, receive appropriate treatment.

how to prepare

In order to obtain an objective result as a result of the analysis, several simple but mandatory rules cannot be ignored.

two days before the day of blood donation, even small doses of alcohol should be abandoned;
after eating food, twelve hours must necessarily pass;
on the appointed day it is not recommended to brush your teeth.

You can conduct a blood test both in the laboratory and at home on your own. This will require a glucometer - a device designed specifically for this purpose. The accuracy of its indicators is comparable to laboratory ones.

There is also another type of analysis called "2hGP". What distinguishes it is that it is done exactly two hours after you ate.

What do the results say?

Deciphering the result of the analysis will not cause difficulties if you have an idea of \u200b\u200bhow much the norm of glucose in the blood is, an increased level and a decreased one.

6 mmol/l is the upper limit of the range related to the acceptable sugar content.
3.5 mmol / l - 5.5 mmol / l - satisfactory indicators of a healthy person.
6.1 mmol / l - 7 mmol / l - these indicators indicate that this is the last stage preceding diabetes.
More than 7 mmol / l - very high blood glucose. What does it mean? Unfortunately, it is easy to guess that the likelihood of having diabetes is almost inevitable. To confirm or refute this, additional analyzes will be required.

Despite the fact that the decoding of the indicators is quite accessible, you should definitely consult a doctor.

What will help to resist the disease?

If you received a conclusion from the laboratory: “Blood test: glucose is elevated”, what does this mean? That it is necessary to take a number of specific measures as soon as possible, depending on the neglect of the situation, which the 2hGP analysis will help clarify.

If diabetes is not confirmed, but the glucose level is significantly elevated, it is necessary to exclude carbohydrates almost completely.
In the presence of diabetes, the diet should be accompanied by the intake of drugs prescribed by the doctor, and control of the sugar content is also required.

Now that we know why blood glucose levels can be elevated, it's time to make some new rules in the old way of life. Be sure to review the daily diet, from which it is necessary to exclude the following products:

confectionery;
fruits containing a lot of sugar;
various sausages and fatty meats.

Your choice should be stopped at lean meat and fish, vegetables, cereals. As a dessert, sour berries and fruits, cottage cheese are suitable. It is advisable to eat fractionally. Under no circumstances should you overeat.

If we talk about sports, then the ideal option would be cardio loads.

An excess of glucose in the blood - a sentence?

The answer to the question is unequivocal - no, not a sentence. Do not despair and withdraw into yourself, as well as continue to lead a past lifestyle. A responsible attitude to one's own health and self-confidence is the key to good health and a return to normal levels.