Glucose is one of the most common sugars. Blood glucose is also referred to as blood sugar. The blood sugar level can be analysed after fasting or without fasting. The blood sugar level is excessively high, for example, in the case of diabetes.
Glucose is one of the most common sugars. Blood glucose is also referred to as blood sugar. A glucose test is carried out to measure the blood sugar level.
The glucose level can be high, for example, due to diabetes, which is a metabolic disease.
Glucose is obtained from food and the body is also able to produce it. The body uses glucose as a source of energy.
When glucose enters the bloodstream, the purpose of the insulin hormone is to regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood. If the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin or if the tissues do not react normally to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance), blood sugar rises. High blood sugar is called hyperglycaemia.
In a healthy person, insulin allows glucose to reach the muscles, adipose tissue and liver cells so that these organs can utilise it. The brain’s nerve cells also need glucose to function.
If the blood sugar level drops too low, the body will no longer be able to function properly. This condition is called hypoglycaemia. Since the brain is powered by glucose, low blood sugar levels also lead to a decreased level of consciousness. A healthy body produces glucagon, which is an insulin antagonist. Glucagon releases glucose into the bloodstream if there is a threat of low blood sugar.
The body stores excess glucose that it does not need immediately.
The liver is also able to produce glucose independently from amino acids, fat and residues.
The reference value for glucose (fasting sample) is 4,2–6 mmol/l.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
Abnormal glucose levels may suggest a variety of conditions in addition to diabetes.
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is examined either because of an abnormal condition or to diagnose diabetes.
It is advisable to have your blood sugar levels tested if you have any risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity, heart disease, family history of diabetes or if you have had gestational diabetes.
A single glucose test result only indicates the blood glucose level at the time of the test. Even a slightly elevated value predicts the risk of developing diabetes.
A single normal value does not exclude the possibility of diabetes.
After eating, blood sugar should stay below 8 mmol/l when measured two hours after the meal. This limit can vary based on individual health recommendations, so it is important to discuss your own target values with a doctor.
Metformin works by lowering blood sugar levels and improving the body’s ability to use insulin more effectively. It is commonly used medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces the liver’s glucose production and increases muscle glucose uptake, which helps lower blood sugar. Additionally, it can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and aid in weight management.
Diabetes prevention includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and avoiding smoking. These measures can particularly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar can manifest as constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slowly healing wounds. If these symptoms occur, it is important to check blood sugar levels and consult a doctor.
Blood sugar can be lowered by following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight. Adjusting medication and regular monitoring of blood sugar are also important.
Blood sugar is typically measured in the morning after fasting, before meals, two hours after meals, and before bedtime. The frequency of measurement can vary depending on the individual’s health condition and treatment needs.
A glucose tolerance test is performed by having the person drink a glucose solution, after which blood sugar changes are measured several times over the following hours. The test helps to assess how well the body handles glucose.
Blood sugar is too low when it drops below 4 mmol/l. Low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as weakness, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. In such situations, it is important to consume quickly absorbing carbohydrates, such as juice or glucose tablets, and seek medical attention if necessary.
The rate at which blood sugar drops depends on several factors, such as previous meals, physical activity, and any medication. Typically, blood sugar begins to drop within a few hours after interventions.
Symptoms of diabetes include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Symptoms can develop gradually, especially in type 2 diabetes.
Cortisone can raise blood sugar, and the extent of the effect depends on the dosage and individual factors. It is important for diabetics to closely monitor their blood sugar levels during cortisone treatment.
Diabetes medication is usually started when lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. The type and dosage of medication depend on the type of diabetes and the individual needs of the patient.
Overcoming sugar addiction requires reducing sweet and processed foods and replacing them with healthier options, such as fruits. Also, a regular meal rhythm and adequate protein intake can help reduce sugar cravings.
Blood sugar is too high when it exceeds personal target values set by a doctor based on individual health needs. Generally, fasting blood sugar should be below 7 mmol/L and post-meal blood sugar below 10 mmol/L.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When you eat, your body converts food into glucose, which is the primary source of energy. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for energy. If the body is insulin resistant, the cells do not respond normally to insulin, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels and, over the long term, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes often develops due to overweight, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits. Genetic factors also influence the risk.
Insulin resistance can manifest in many different ways. Typical symptoms include fatigue, especially after meals, increased waist circumference, high blood pressure, and uneven blood sugar levels. Prolonged insulin resistance can also lead to the appearance of dark, velvety patches on the skin, especially around the neck and armpits. These symptoms may indicate that the body is not using insulin effectively.
Diabetes treatment includes monitoring blood sugar, managing diet, exercising, and medication if necessary. Type 1 diabetics need insulin, while type 2 diabetics can often manage their disease with lifestyle changes and oral medications.
Blood sugar can be quickly lowered by short-term intense exercise or by taking doctor-prescribed fast-acting insulin. It is important to discuss with a doctor before trying new treatment methods.
To correct insulin resistance, it is important to focus on healthy lifestyles. The diet should include plenty of fibers and low-fat protein sources and limit the intake of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. Regular exercise, such as aerobic training and strength training, helps improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, adequate sleep and stress management are crucial. Sometimes, medication prescribed by a doctor may be necessary to manage insulin resistance.
Diabetes can develop when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells do not effectively respond to insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an autoimmune reaction, while type 2 diabetes is often related to lifestyle and genetic factors.
To lower fasting blood sugar, it is important to follow a balanced diet, avoid large amounts of rapidly absorbing carbohydrates, and increase physical activity. Regular mealtimes and weight management can also help control blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that measure blood sugar and HbA1c levels. The diagnosis is confirmed if fasting blood sugar is consistently high or if the HbA1c level exceeds a certain threshold.
One should see a doctor if blood sugar remains consistently high, clearly exceeds personal target values, or if symptoms of high blood sugar such as thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, occur.
Vital laboratory package Man 50+ includes 36 values and provides you with a comprehensive overview of your health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a man over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Woman 50+ includes 39 values and provides senior women with a broad overview of their health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a woman over 50 years old.
Glucose is an indicator of the blood sugar level. Blood sugar affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
Vital laboratory package Basic includes 21 values that give you a wide range of information on how your body is doing. It includes blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, ferritin and studies of the functioning of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
Hemoglobin A1C indicates the glycated hemoglobin (long-term glucose levels) in the blood. Hemoglobin A1C, or glycated hemoglobin, shows your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–8 weeks.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) is an indicator of the well-being of the liver. It reacts to long-term alcohol use and fatty liver disease caused by excess weight, for example.
Potassium can be obtained from vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
Elevated triglyceride levels rarely need to be lowered with medication, as changing lifestyle habits is the primary treatment.
ALP is the abbreviation for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase, which is primarily found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. It is therefore common to measure ALP when examining the health of the liver, associated bile ducts, and skeleton.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a carrier protein that helps transport LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol) as well as other harmful fat molecules in the blood.
Article updated:
23 October 2024