Glucose is a very important compound for the body, the main source of energy for all cells of the body as well as human life activities. Blood glucose index helps us assess the concentration of glucose in the blood, thereby serving as a basis for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of diabetes.
1. What is glucose?
Glucose is the scientific name of sugar – a very familiar spice in daily life. The body needs glucose to maintain activities. In energy metabolism, glucose is the most important source of raw materials in all organisms to create energy in the process of cellular respiration. When there is a lack of glucose, the organs are not provided with enough energy, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, chills, and even fainting. This phenomenon is called hypoglycemia, which often occurs when hungry.
Glucose is present in most daily foods, especially some foods such as starch and fruits that are rich in glucose. Glucose is the main and direct source of energy for the body, stored in the liver in the form of glycogen, which is a component involved in the structure of cells (RNA and DNA) and some other special substances (Mucopolysaccharide, heparin, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin …). Glucose is used to create energy necessary for life, this process takes place in cells. The use of glucose by cells depends on the activity of the cell membrane under the effect of Insulin (except for brain cells, nerve tissue, blood cells, kidney marrow and lens). Digestive enzymes will separate glucose from food. Glucose is burned in cells, creating energy for the body and CO2, H2O.
Blood glucose concentration is the basis for diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes treatment.
2. What is the normal blood glucose level?
Blood glucose level is also known as blood sugar index or blood glucose concentration. This index indicates the amount of glucose present in the blood. Each person’s blood glucose level is different, it can change every minute, every hour. Based on the blood glucose level, diabetes can be diagnosed.
Normal blood glucose level in the morning (before eating or drinking anything – on average after fasting for at least 8 hours) is about 73.8 mg/dl – 106.2 mg/dl (equivalent to 4.1 mmol/l – 5.9 mmol/l). After eating about 1 – 2 hours, the blood glucose level will increase, but still below the threshold of 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/L). If the blood glucose level is higher than the above level, the patient is likely to have impaired glucose tolerance. If the blood sugar at any time is greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l), diabetes can be diagnosed.
3. Methods of measuring blood glucose
Determining blood glucose concentration is often indicated when diabetes is suspected. The test results will show the amount of sugar in the blood at the time of sample collection. Usually, the sample will be taken when the patient has fasted for about 8 – 10 hours or blood can be taken at a random time.
Blood is taken from the vein and sent immediately to the laboratory. If the blood glucose index is within the normal range as mentioned above, the body is healthy, if it is higher, it means you may have impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.
It should be noted that in pregnant women, blood sugar levels are often lower than normal, at 70.9 mg/dl ± 7.8 (3.94 mmol/l ± 0.43) when fasting.
Blood glucose levels within normal range are healthy.
4. Why is it necessary to measure blood glucose?
As mentioned, glucose is very important for the body. However, if the blood glucose concentration is too high, it can cause some health risks such as:
Reduced insulin secretion. The pancreas has to work too hard, making it vulnerable;
Increased risk of arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, leading to liver, kidney, cardiovascular diseases… such as: kidney failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, retinal complications…
Blood glucose testing plays an important role in diagnosing diabetes, monitoring treatment along with other tests and clinical examinations. Therefore, if there are signs of diabetes (rapid weight loss, frequent urination, eating a lot, drinking a lot), patients should soon go to reputable medical facilities to perform blood glucose concentration tests and combine with other clinical examinations to have a timely treatment plan, preventing dangerous complications that may be caused by the disease.
