Glucose is a sugar that the body uses for energy. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are broken down by the body into glucose. When glucose is in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin to keep blood glucose in a normal range. If insulin is not present, elevated levels of blood glucose can lead to life-threatening situations.
Glucose
When you consume food, it is digested and absorbed from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are broken down by the body into glucose. When there is an excess of glucose, the body will store it in the liver and muscles for future use. According to the book "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine," high glucose is a level greater than 200 mg/dL and low glucose is a level less than 50 mg/dL.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose. Excess glucose is stored in the liver as long chains of glucose called glycogen. Insulin is needed to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to use as energy. When insulin is not present, glucose levels increase in the bloodstream. Patients who have type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin and are at risk for developing high blood glucose levels if they do not take insulin. Those with type 2 diabetes have either insulin resistance or insulin deficiency. Insulin resistance means that insulin is present but the cells do not respond to the insulin or respond to it less effectively than they had in the past. As a result, more glucose stays in the bloodstream rather than being taken up by the cells.
High Blood Glucose
High blood glucose, called hyperglycemia, caused by type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections to bring the blood sugar levels down. Patients with type 2 diabetes, because their body produces some insulin, may use a combination of diet modifications, oral diabetic medications and insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Glucose levels vary throughout the day and require close monitoring. Levels can increase because of excess food intake, stress or infection, or from not taking the necessary insulin. Insulin can be given by injections or a pump.
Low Blood Glucose
Too much insulin in the body will cause blood glucose to become very low. This is called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can be caused by skipping meals, especially in those who have already taken their insulin. Increased physical activity will use up additional glucose, which can also lead to hypoglycemia.
Complications
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both medical conditions that can lead to severe complications. Hypoglycemia can result in fainting and seizures. Hyperglycemia, if not treated, can lead to coma and possibly death. Maintaining a normal balance of glucose is essential for normal functioning of the body.
References
- "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly"; Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus; Guthrie & Guthrie; 2004
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment Emergency Medicine"; McGraw Hill; 2008
