Glucose serum

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Glucose serum

Description

Glucose is a sugar which serves as the main source of energy for the body.

The carbohydrates we eat are broken down into glucose. Most of the body’s cells require glucose for energy production.
Blood glucose levels rise after a meal, and insulin is secreted to lower them. If blood glucose levels drop too low, the liver will turn some glycogen back into glucose, raising the blood glucose levels.
Severe hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can cause organ failure, brain damage, coma, and, even death.
Chronically high blood glucose levels will cause progressive damage to body organs such as the kidneys, eyes, heart and blood vessels, and nerves. Chronic hypoglycemia lead to brain and nerve damage.
Some women may develop hyperglycemia during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.  Also for a self check, a drop of blood from a skin prick. Sometimes a random urine sample is used.

Purpose of the test

To determine blood glucose level to diagnose or monitor hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia.   Also to monitor glucose levels in persons with diabetes.  A diabetic person has to check blood glucose level several times a day.

This test is prescribed, when you have symptoms suggesting hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and during pregnancy.

Blood glucose testing can be used to regularly screen healthy, asymptomatic individuals for diabetes and pre-diabetes because diabetes is a common disease that begins with few symptoms.

Reference range values

3.88 – 6.38 mmol/L

Abnormal findings

High levels of glucose frequently indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
Some other possible diseases that can result in elevated glucose levels include:
• Acromegaly
• Acute stress
• Chronic renal failure
• Cushing syndrome
• Drugs such as: corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics, epinephrine, estrogens, lithium, phenytoin, salicylates,
• Excessive food intake
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis
Increased urine glucose levels can be due to medications, such as estrogens and chloral hydrate, and to some forms of renal disease.
Low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) can be cause by:
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Drinking alcohol
• Drugs, such as acetaminophen and anabolic steroids
• Extensive liver disease
• Hypopituitarism
• Hypothyroidism
• Insulin overdose
• Insulinomas
• Starvation