Blood sugar has an important role in the body as an energy source. However, if it is not controlled, in the long term it can damage the kidneys, eyes and other organs.
Blood sugar or glucose is the type of sugar that you get from food. and the body uses it for energy. While insulin is a hormone that transfers glucose from the blood into cells to be used as energy and the rest is stored. You need glucose to get energy. However, glucose must be in moderate amounts, it should not be less than excessive. Unhealthy or out of control glucose levels can have a permanent and serious effect.
Glucose work process
The body is designed to keep glucose levels in your blood stable. The pancreas monitors your blood sugar levels every few seconds. When blood sugar rises after you eat, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. Here, insulin acts like a key that opens muscle cells, fat and liver cells, so that glucose can enter into it.
After use, the remaining glucose is stored in the liver and muscles. Your body can save enough to refuel you for about one day.
In people with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin as it should. In this case, they need outside help (insulin injections) to process and regulate glucose in the body.
Other causes of diabetes are insulin resistance, where the liver does not recognize insulin in the body, and keeps making glucose so that the amount is excessive in the blood.
If glucose is out of control
Glucose needs to be controlled so it is not too low or high. Too low glucose levels are known as hypoglycemia, and potentially become very serious. Hypoglycemia can occur when people with diabetes miss their treatment. This condition can also occur when you eat less than normal size and exercise excessively. In addition to your body becoming weak, low blood sugar can also make you lose consciousness.
Whereas if glucose in the blood is high, it can cause a variety of serious conditions, including: nerve pain, heart disease, blindness, skin infections, joint problems and extremities, severe dehydration and coma. Can also experience more serious complications including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, both conditions associated with diabetes.
Maintaining glucose levels is an important part of keeping the system in the body working as well as possible. You can maintain glucose levels by eating healthy foods, complete diets and regular exercise. For people with diabetes, they must monitor their blood sugar levels with medication.