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Glucose is an organic chemical compound that is the basic energy substrate for the body’s cells. We find it in fruit and honey, it has a sweet taste. In a blood test, glucose is one of the elements that is checked. You can also check your glucose level at home with a blood glucose meter.
Definition of glucose
Glucose is a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy in the human body. It is needed for human organs to function properly (however, its excess may be harmful). Blood glucose levels are influenced by processes such as: glycogenolysis, glycogenesis, and glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. The pancreatic hormone is responsible for regulating its concentration in the body – insulin.
Glucose levels rise after a meal and the pancreas responds by making and releasing insulin. Insulin carries glucose from the bloodstream to the tissues, which causes glucose levels to drop. When the body needs sugar, its secretion is stimulated by other hormones, such as: cortisol (produced in the adrenal cortex, i.e. the outer layer of the adrenal glands, is the so-called stress hormone, secreted in parallel with adrenaline), thyroxine (thyroid hormone), growth hormone, glucagon and epinephrine (also called adrenaline). The sources of glucose are, among others, vegetables and fruits. Low blood glucose levels cause hypoglycemia which manifests itself as headaches, nervousness, convulsions, and in extreme cases – coma. Blood glucose testing is mainly performed in people who are suspected of having diabetes. Blood glucose testing is also used to monitor the progression of this disease. You can perform the test at home thanks to the iHealth Gluco glucometer. The device has a built-in memory function for up to 500 test results and is characterized by high-quality measurement. We also recommend the DIAVUE ToGo Glucometer, which is currently available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
Glucose sources
There are different sources of glucose, and it is:
- in food as pure glucose;
- in the form of disaccharides;
- in complex carbohydrates;
- in the human body – it is formed in the process of gluconeogenesis, which takes place in the liver and kidneys;
- in skeletal muscles.
If your body’s glucose level is too high, you can regularly use Beetroot BIO Powder available on Medonet Market.
Blood glucose – test
Blood glucose testing is one of the basic blood tests that are performed when you experience disturbing symptoms, such as fainting. This also applies to suspected diabetes.
Blood glucose tests are performed on an empty stomach (for at least 16 hours). It involves taking blood from a vein in the arm or, in younger patients, by cutting the skin with a lancet – the serum is analyzed. The norm on an empty stomach is not more than 100 mg / dl (5,5 mmol / l). You are concerned about the presence of glucose in your urine, which should not normally be found in your urine. Therefore, if such a situation arises – you should immediately find the cause of the problem. However, it is worth mentioning that blood glucose may be a physiological phenomenon in pregnant women.
Glucose level testing, as well as other parameters important for pregnant women and important for the proper development of the child, can be found in the Pregnancy tests – blood tests package. It is offered by the uPatient company and gives the opportunity to collect blood in one of over 500 clinics in Poland or at the patient’s home. You can buy the package on Medonet Market.
Do you want to do a glucose test? Order a comprehensive set of tests in the MAKSIMUM e-package with specialist consultation to receive an interpretation of the results. If you want to see a dietitian, also do a glucose level test in advance, using the Pre-consultation test package with a dietitian – home blood analysis.
You can also test glucose in special test packages available on Medonet Market and intended separately for women (Women’s health check – diagnostic blood tests) and for men (Prophylactic blood tests for men).
Indications for blood glucose testing
The most common indications for blood glucose testing are:
- fatigue, weakness, fainting, loss of consciousness,
- suspicion of diabetes,
- diabetes monitoring,
- increased thirst
- weight loss
- increased urination,
- anxiety,
- spots through the eyes,
- sweating, goosebumps,
- over 45 years of age,
- obesity,
- hypertension,
- pregnancy,
- Polycystic ovary syndrome,
- cardiovascular diseases,
- hyperlipidemia.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, see a diabetologist immediately. The specialist will help determine their source and implement appropriate treatment methods. It is worth going to the appointment with the current results of tests for diabetes.
Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.
Comments: People with diabetes should self-test their glucose levels before eating a meal and before administering insulin. Glucose testing is the most important test in the diagnosis of diabetes.
- Do you want to check your glucose levels? Try recommended home blood glucose meters
Banaba leaf – a YANGO dietary supplement that you can buy at Medonet Market at a promotional price will help you control blood glucose levels.
Glucose – norms
The blood sugar value depends on the patient’s age:
- adults: 3,9-5,5 mmol / l (70-99 mg / dl);
- newborns: 2,8-4,4 mmol / l (50-115 mg / dl);
- children: 3,9-5,8 mmol / l (70-105 mg / dl).
It should be remembered that the correct concentration of glucose in the blood depends on the laboratory where the test was performed. Diabetes is diagnosed in people with fasting glucose levels above 126 mg / dL. You can buy a diagnostic test for diabetes conveniently on medonetmarket.pl. You can also perform a set of preventive examinations. A package of preventive examinations – blood tests, thanks to which you can check the basic health parameters.
Some dietary supplements will help to regulate blood glucose levels. Try, for example, DIABETOPOL – a supplement with white mulberry and fenugreek, which additionally supports the transformation of insulin in the body. We also recommend Method for sugar – the Panaseus dietary supplement, which contains only natural plant extracts.
Increased blood glucose levels
Hyperglycemia is diagnosed after excluding factors that may erroneously influence the test result (e.g. caffeine, steroids, oral contraception, thyroxine, furosemide, estrogens, lithium or phenytoin). To be able to speak of diabetes, a patient must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- the presence of symptoms of diabetes and glucose in a random blood sample greater than 200 mg / dL;
- after double testing, fasting glucose levels greater than 126 mg / dl;
- a glucose level equal to or greater than 200 mg / dL 2 hours after an oral load of 75 grams of glucose.
The above criteria apply to all age groups. The diagnosis of diabetes is slightly different in pregnant women, in whom the screening test is performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, one hour after the administration of 75 grams of glucose. Normal blood glucose level in the 60th minute is less than 180, in the 120th minute it is less than 150.
In order to prevent the development of the disease, take DuoLife ProSugar supplementation. Dietary supplement, thanks to the wealth of vitamins and minerals, will help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the appetite for sweets. To lower blood glucose levels, you can also reach for the Vitama Nature moringa supplement, also available on Medonet Market. We also recommend Appropriate sugar GlikoHerbs – a herbal mixture that helps to regulate sugar levels in the body in a natural way.
We can also encounter high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in the case of:
- diabetes: type 1, type 2,
- gestational diabetes,
- disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands;
- gigantyzmu i akromegalii;
- Cushing’s syndrome;
- pancreatic ailments;
- thyrotoxicosis.
In addition to these factors, high glucose levels can also be due to:
- from high adrenaline;
- from a heart attack;
- from the administration of certain preparations;
- from uremia;
- from the spout;
- from inflammation of the brain;
- from high temperature;
- with shock.
Medonet Market offers a two-pack of Gymnema Sylvestre 400 mg capsules, useful in the prevention of diabetes. Its vegetable composition helps to maintain the proper level of sugar in the blood and supports the proper functioning of the body.
Low blood glucose
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) may suggest:
- insulinoma,
- a small amount of carbohydrates in the diet,
- liver dysfunction,
- hyperinsulinism,
- cancer that originates from pancreatic islets,
- gastric adenoma,
- liver tumor
- stomach cancer
- congenital metabolic defects,
- hypopituitarism or adrenal cortex,
- excessive glucose consumption during exercise,
- thyroid hormone deficiency,
- condition after removal of part or all of the stomach
- sometimes: using too much insulin and diabetes medications,
- poisoning with substances such as alcohol, antihistamines, arsenic, salicylates, phosphorus, carbon tetrachloride,
- incorrect sample collection and long transport to the laboratory,
- overdose of insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs by diabetics,
- Hypothyroidism.
Testing for hypothyroidism is offered by the DrDiagnoza.com medical center.