Glucose | Laboratory research

The two hormones that directly regulate blood glucose levels are glucagon and insulin. Glucagon accelerates the conversion of glycogen to glucose and thus increases the concentration of sugar in the blood. Insulin helps glucose to enter cells, stimulates glycogen production, and lowers blood sugar levels.

Other hormones that play an important role in glucose metabolism are: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucocorticoids, adrenaline, thyroxine. All of them increase blood glucose levels, only insulin lowers it. Insufficient amount or absence of insulin significantly increases blood glucose levels and results in the development of diabetes.

Diabetes screening in adults, in the absence of complaints, is recommended in case of overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg / m2) regardless of age and for those who have one or more risk factors for diabetes:

• First-degree relatives with diabetes;
• History of gestational diabetes or severe childbirth (> 4000 g);
• Belongs to endangered races or ethnic groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, etc.);
• Blood pressure ≥140 / 90 mmHg;
• Low HDL-cholesterol (<35 mg / dL) and / or elevated triglycerides (> 250 mg / dL);
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome;
• History of cardiovascular disease;
• Decreased glucose tolerance in previous tests;
• Other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance (e.g. Acanthosis Nigricans.)

In the absence of these criteria, diabetes testing should begin at age 45 years. When normal screening results are obtained, the test is repeated at intervals of up to 3 years (more frequent testing is based on risk factors).

There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2. Given that type 2 diabetes in adolescents has increased dramatically in the last decade, the number of criteria for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) study has also increased, no complaints, overweight In the case of children, the study of which considers two additional factors, from the following factors:

• Family history of type 2 diabetes in first- or second-degree relatives;
• Races or ethnic groups at risk of developing diabetes (African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, etc.);
• Indications for insulin resistance or conditions related to insulin resistance (eg acanthosis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome);
• History of maternal diabetes or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

How to prepare for the test?

• Fasting (at least 8 hours must have elapsed since taking in any calories);
• Without special preparation - the sample is taken 2 hours after eating;
• Without special preparation - the patient indicates how much time has passed since the last meal