Glucose is found within the body as an end product of digested food and is necessary for the body to produce energy. Insulin is a product produced by the pancreas, which is necessary in the process of glucose for use as energy.
Glucose
According to the Mayo Clinic, glucose is vital to your health because it's the main source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. Glucose is found in the bloodstream and crosses into cells. For glucose to enter the cells, insulin must be present. If insulin is not available or a sufficient amount is not available, glucose builds up in the blood stream causing high glucose levels.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pancreas and is necessary for the body to breakdown glucose. As noted in "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified," the secretion of insulin is stimulated by high glucose and inhibited by low glucose. Patients whose body does not produce insulin will require insulin to be given by injection.
Too Much Glucose
Blood glucose levels go up and down throughout the day and night, particularly in patients with diabetes. If there is too much glucose in the body it is called hyperglycemia which can lead to multiple complications. Hyperglycemia will cause patients to have glucose levels in their urine, because the kidney are trying to rid the body of excess glucose. They will have an increase hunger because glucose is not getting to cells and the body is using fat to burn as energy. Because the kidneys are increasing the urine to rid the glucose wastes, the patients have an increased thirst in an attempt to replace fluids. If the level of glucose becomes too high and is not treated, it can lead to coma and possibly death.
Low Glucose
Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, happens when too little sugar is present in the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia usually occurs in patients who take insulin or oral diabetic medications. Low blood sugar is caused by either too much insulin, increased physical activity or food intake is decreased. Patients with hypoglycemia will become shaky, sweating, and feel lightheaded. As glucose levels decrease further the patient may appear confused, irritable and have slurred or slow speech. Low blood sugar, if not treated can lead to seizures.
Balance Glucose and Insulin
The balance between glucose and insulin in the body is necessary for the body to continue normal functioning between fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balance. Patients who are hyperglycemic because the body does not produce any insulin, will need insulin replaced by injection or by a pump. If the hyperglycemia is because the body does not produce enough insulin, the treatment may include oral medications by mouth and diet modifications. Hypoglycemia is treated by giving the patient glucose. This may be done by giving the patient something to eat or drink that contains sugar. In severe hypoglycemia, the patient may need glucose given intravenously.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Diabetes
- "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified"; McGraw Hill; 2008
