Blood sugar analysis: blood sugar level

The blood sugar test, that is to say the blood sugar level, is a blood test that the doctor routinely prescribes. But it is mainly used to diagnose a possible diabetes.

 

What is blood sugar?

Blood sugar is the level of glucose in the blood. Remember that glucose is the main sugar in the body. It comes from food and is the main source of energy for cells.

 

Part of the blood glucose is used to produce energy while the rest is stored in the form of glycogen, ready to be mobilized when needed.

 

The concentration of glucose in the blood is regulated by pancreatic hormones:

 

insulin, which is naturally produced in response to elevated blood sugar levels and promotes absorption into cells;

glucagon, which has the opposite role. Secreted in response to a drop in the glucose level in the blood, it promotes its release from cells.

This hormonal control normally helps maintain normal blood sugar. But in some cases, the blood sugar level may be higher or lower than the reference values ​​and therefore cause various disorders.

 

What is the purpose of analyzing the blood sugar level?

The doctor orders a blood sugar test if he suspects diabetes.

 

But it is a routine test that the doctor offers regularly. And in particular in the following cases:

 

weight loss;

attention deficit disorder;

unusual tiredness;

thirst;

discomfort;

or even in pregnant women.

Blood sugar and diet

Blood sugar levels change automatically with food. Conventionally, the level of glucose in the blood increases during the meal to decrease little by little and regain a normal value when the regulatory mechanisms are put in place.

 

Foods have a glycemic index, which refers to how quickly their sugar reaches the blood once ingested. For example, rolled oats and green beans have a low glycemic index, while that of white bread or bananas is high.

 

How to interpret the results?

The normal value for blood sugar in a fasting person is between 0.7 and 1.1 g / l.

 

Too high blood sugar, this is called hyperglycemia, can be a sign of:

 

diabetes (above 1.26 g / l);

damage to the pancreas, such as inflammation or cancer;

hyperthyroidism (the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone in this case);

or stress, caused by trauma, stroke or surgery.