What is Glucotoxicity?
Glucotoxicity: High blood sugar levels untreated may lead to glucotoxicity, also known as glucose toxicity. It is caused by damaged beta cells.
The body makes and releases insulin from beta cells. Insulin is a hormone that pulls sugar (also known as glucose) from your blood so that your cells can use it to produce energy. This helps regulate blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause damage to beta cells over time. Damaged beta cells can lead to decreased insulin production and increased resistance to insulin. This is known as glucotoxicity.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Glucotoxicity?
High blood sugar can cause damage to your tissues and organs. You may also experience a decrease in white blood cells, which is an important part of your immune system. A weaker immune system can increase your risk of getting infected. It can make wound healing more difficult.
High blood sugar can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
Your doctor should be contacted immediately if your blood glucose levels are consistently above 240 mg per deciliter (mg/dL). If you are also sick and cannot keep your food or water down, seek emergency treatment.
What is the Cause of Glucotoxicity?
Long-term high blood sugar is the most common sign of diabetes. You can also have high blood sugar even if you are not diagnosed with diabetes. A high blood sugar level that is not due to diabetes can be caused by an underlying disease, such as a medication or endocrine disorder.
Researchers believe that there is a strong connection between glucose toxicity and oxidative stress. The body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants. Oxidative Stress refers to excessive levels of free radicals. This can cause glucotoxicity and damage to your beta cells.
High blood sugar levels can lead to oxidative stress. There are also other possible causes:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
How can Glucotoxicity be Diagnosed?
Regularly checking your blood sugar levels and insulin levels is the best way to determine if you have glucose toxicity. This is something you already do if you have diabetes. You can also talk to your doctor about an A1C test if you don’t have diabetes and are not regularly checking your blood sugar. This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months.
Once your doctor has checked your glucose levels and determined if you need it, they may recommend a good glucose monitor that you can use at your home.
You are at greater risk for developing glucotoxicity if your fasting blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dl or A1C levels of more than 6.5 percent.
How can Glucotoxicity be Treated?
Lowering your blood sugar is the best way to treat glucotoxicity. This can be done by:
- Changing Diet
- Get more exercise
- Getting insulin injections
- Taking medication
Research linking glucotoxicity and oxidative stresses suggests that antioxidant drugs such as troglitazone or metformin may be effective in treating glucotoxicity due to oxidative strain.
Are there any Complications to Glucotoxicity?
You should contact your doctor if you are at risk of developing glucotoxicity. They can help you make a plan to lower blood sugar.
Untreated Glucotoxicity can lead to:
- Vascular tissue problems
- The function of endothelial cells has been reduced
- Eye problems
- Nerve problems
- Kidney problems
- Increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Is it possible to Prevent Glucotoxicity?
Your risk of developing glucotoxicity can be reduced by lowering your blood sugar.
This involves taking steps to reduce your carbohydrate intake, which includes:
- Fruit
- Cereal
- Bread
- Pasta
- Sweets such as sodas and juices, cookies, cakes, and other candies
- Milk and yogurt
- Grains such as oatmeal, rice, and barley
- Snack foods such as crackers and chips
These foods don’t have to be avoided completely. You just need to eat them in moderation. Your weight, height, activity level, and body mass will determine how much carbohydrates you should consume.
In general, you should aim to eat 30-75 grams of carbohydrates per main meal. As snacks, aim for between 15 and 30 grams. Regular eating helps you to control your blood sugar.
You can prevent blood sugar spikes by reducing stress. You can add de-stressing activities into your daily life if you feel stressed. Stress reduction can be achieved through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply getting enough sleep. To reduce stress and increase blood sugar, you can do yoga or go for a walk.
You can increase your insulin sensitivity by using simple deep-breathing techniques.
According to a 2013 study, Relaxation exercises can improve insulin secretion and reduce inflammation. These are essential for treating high blood sugar as well as glucotoxicity.
What is the Outlook for Glucotoxicity in the future?
Your beta cells and your overall health can be affected by glucotoxicity. You can prevent or treat the symptoms with regular blood sugar monitoring. You should consult your doctor if you have diabetes to ensure the right medication dosage.
Ask your friends and loved ones for support.
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…
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