Glucose or sugar metabolism begins in the small intestine after it receives a carbohydrate load according to Elmhurst College. The three hormones, insulin, glucagon and epinephrine control the blood sugar concentrations in the body. Derangements of sugar metabolism can have profound effects on the body.
Normal Glucose Metabolism
In people with normal blood sugars once digestion begins, insulin is secreted by the pancreas, which stimulates the transfer of glucose into the cells, especially the liver and muscle cells. In the liver and muscle cells, glucose is converted to glycogen for storage and use at a time when blood sugar may be low. If the glucose is needed immediately when it enters the cells, it is metabolized to produce energy. For instance, glucose is the brain's main source of fuel and glucose in the brain is used immediately.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar means that you have too much sugar in your blood. Diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2, prediabetes and gestational or pregnancy diabetes can cause your sugars to be too high. In type 1 diabetes your immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and this leaves you with little or no insulin. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is the result of insulin resistance or poor insulin production. When your cells do not react to insulin, you are considered insulin resistant. Gestational diabetes is the result of the placental hormones making your cells more resistant to insulin.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is too little blood sugar. Low blood sugar is usually associated with diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com., but in rare instances people without diabetes can have problems with hypoglycemia. In people with diabetes, too much insulin is usually the reason for low blood sugar. In people without diabetes, medications, excessive alcohol consumption, critical illnesses and tumors may cause low blood sugar.
Effects of Hyperglycemia And Hypoglycemia
Too much sugar in the blood can result in diabetic ketoacidosis and cause excessive ketones in the blood. DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis requires medical treatment urgently. Symptoms include excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting, confusion and even coma. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, irritability, rapid heart rate, muscle weakness and confusion. In the early stages of hypoglycemia, a little orange juice or piece of candy can reverse the low sugar.
