Glucose
fP-Gluk KL 1468
Glucose serves as a crucial energy source for the body, and all cells can utilize it. Red blood cells and the brain, in particular, rely on glucose as their primary source of energy in the body’s normal state. Plasma glucose is derived from dietary intake and glycogen stores in the liver and muscles. The hormones insulin and glucagon, secreted by the pancreas, play key roles in regulating glucose concentration. Insulin works to reduce postprandial (after-meal) increases in glucose levels, while glucagon facilitates the production of glucose from the liver’s glycogen stores when needed. Glucocorticoids, adrenaline, growth hormone, and the thyroid hormone thyroxine also have a stimulating effect on glucose production.
Indications
Diagnostics of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.
Sample
1.0 mL of fluoride citrate plasma. Fasting sample.
Storage and delivery
Delivery at room temperature, if it arrives within 24 hours. Can be stored refrigerated over the weekend.
Method
Photometric, hexokinase method. Accredited method.
Turnaround time
1 – 2 weekdays
Reference ranges
4.0 – 6.0 mmol/L
According to the WHO classification (2006), a fasting glucose value ranging from 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L suggests impaired glucose tolerance, while a value of ≥7.0 mmol/L indicates diabetes mellitus.
Interpretation of results
The measurement of post-fasting glucose concentration serves as a crucial criterion for classifying possible diabetes. When there is a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, glucose fails to enter the cells, leading to an increase in plasma glucose levels. For adults, a fasting glucose concentration between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/L indicates impaired glucose tolerance, while a value of 7.0 mmol/L or higher points to diabetes mellitus.
Elevated glucose levels, hyperglycemia, can also be associated with various conditions such as myocardial infarction, surgery, traumas, acute pancreatitis, neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s disease, and sepsis.
On the other hand, low glucose levels, hypoglycemia, can result from excessive insulin or oral tablet medication. An insulin-secreting tumor known as an insulinoma can also cause hypoglycemia, as well as issues with the adrenal cortex and the anterior pituitary gland.
Mild hypoglycemia is characterized by weakness, sweating, hunger, and palpitations. Severe hypoglycemia, where the glucose concentration is less than 2.5 mmol/L, leads to central nervous system symptoms such as visual disturbances, speech issues, convulsions, and ultimately, loss of consciousness.
Inquiries
martin.tornudd@milalab.fi
Last update 8.8.2023
