Glucose

What it is

Glucose is a type of sugar that is found in your blood. It's your body's main source of energy. When you eat food, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which then enters your bloodstream. Your body uses a hormone called insulin, made by your pancreas, to help move this glucose from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy.

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood at a specific time. This is often done as part of a routine health check-up, or if your doctor is concerned about your risk of developing diabetes or other health conditions.

Why it matters

The level of glucose in your blood is carefully controlled by your body. If your blood glucose levels are consistently too high, it can lead to damage to various organs over time, including your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. This is the hallmark of diabetes.

Conversely, very low blood glucose levels can also cause problems, as your brain and other organs may not get enough energy to function properly. Symptoms of low blood glucose can include feeling shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or confused.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels can help your doctor understand how well your body is managing this vital sugar and identify any potential issues early on.

What can cause it to be high or low

Several factors can influence your blood glucose levels.

Higher than usual levels can be associated with:

• Diabetes: This is the most common reason for persistently high blood glucose. There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy).
• Pre-diabetes: This is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. It indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes.
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause your body to release hormones that raise blood glucose.
• Illness or infection: When your body is fighting off an illness, it can affect blood glucose control.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can increase blood glucose levels.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can affect insulin production.
• Endocrine disorders: Conditions affecting other hormone-producing glands can sometimes impact blood glucose.

Lower than usual levels can be associated with:

• Too much insulin or diabetes medication: If you are taking medication for diabetes, taking too much or at the wrong time can lead to low blood glucose.
• Skipping meals or not eating enough: Not consuming enough carbohydrates can result in lower blood glucose.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can lower blood glucose.
• Certain medications: Some non-diabetes medications can also lower blood glucose.
• Liver or kidney disease: These conditions can affect how your body processes glucose.
• Hormone deficiencies: Lack of certain hormones, like cortisol, can lead to low blood glucose.
• Insulinoma: A rare tumour of the pancreas that produces too much insulin.

Lifestyle factors that may help

Making certain lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing blood glucose levels. Discussing these with your GP can help you find the best approach for you.

• Healthy Eating: Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated fats, is often recommended. The timing and composition of your meals can also be important.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help your body use glucose more effectively and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Weight Management: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on your blood glucose control.
• Limiting Alcohol: Moderating alcohol intake, and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach, can be beneficial.
• Stress Management: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, or spending time in nature, may help regulate blood glucose.
• Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting can improve your overall health and may positively influence blood glucose levels.

Questions to discuss with your GP

• What does my specific glucose reading mean in the context of my overall health?
• Are there any lifestyle changes that would be particularly beneficial for me to consider?
• What are the potential long-term implications of my current glucose levels?
• Are there any further tests or monitoring that might be recommended for me?
• What are the signs and symptoms of both high and low blood glucose that I should be aware of?
• How often should my glucose levels be checked in the future?