Understanding blood sugar: energy for the body and key to prevention

Answer: Blood glucose represents the concentration of glucose in the blood, a fundamental parameter for the body's proper functioning. Glucose is in fact the main source of energy for all cells, but particularly for those in the brain, which cannot do without it even for short periods.Normal fasting blood glucose values are between 70 and 100 mg per decilitre (mg/dl). When fasting blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dl we speak of impaired fasting blood glucose (prediabetes), while a value of 126 mg/dl or more on at least two different occasions is one of the criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Keeping blood glucose under control is essential not only to prevent diabetes, but also - once the disease has been diagnosed - to avoid or delay the onset of its complications, which may be acute or chronic.

On the other hand, hypoglycaemia (values below 70 mg/dl) can also be dangerous. It is a condition that can occur, for instance, in patients taking insulin or certain hypoglycaemic drugs. Symptoms include sweating, shaking, hunger, agitation, difficulty concentrating, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Hypoglycaemias, especially if frequent or severe, reduce quality of life and increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebral complications.

Blood glucose control relies on several pillars: a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet (limiting simple sugars, saturated fats and processed foods), regular physical activity and the use of medication. These interventions are especially crucial in type 2 diabetes, where lifestyle can significantly influence blood glucose; in type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, glycaemic control depends mainly on insulin administration, although balanced diet and physical activity are still important to optimise treatment and overall health. In patients with diabetes, regular blood glucose monitoring - which can also be done at home with glucose meters or continuous monitoring sensors - is a key element for effective and personalised management of the disease.

Acute complications include: hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (more frequent in type 1 diabetes) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome (more frequent in type 2 diabetes), which can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated promptly. Chronic complications, on the other hand, develop over time as a result of persistent high blood sugar levels: these are damage to small and large blood vessels, which can lead to cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke, perpheric arteriopathy), renal failure, diabetic retinopathy (which can lead to blindness), peripheral neuropathy (with loss of sensitivity and risk of foot ulcers) and erectile dysfunction in men. The damage caused by chronic hyperglycaemia is a silent process: it often gives no symptoms in the early stages, but can become disabling with time. This makes it all the more important to keep blood glucose values within recommended limits, even in people with impaired blood glucose before diabetes sets in.

Keeping blood glucose levels under control means actively investing in preventing numerous complications and maintaining a good quality of life, both now and in the future. This goal is crucial not only for those who live with diabetes, but also for those who wish to prevent it, especially when significant risk factors such as being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, family history of the disease or related conditions such as metabolic syndrome are present. In fact, glycaemic control makes it possible to detect any alterations in glucose metabolism at an early stage, making it possible to intervene by modifying lifestyle or targeted therapies, thus reducing the risk of developing diabetes and its complications. Moreover, a correct glycaemic balance contributes to keeping active and functional all the cells and organs that depend on the energy provided by glucose, promoting general well-being and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, blood glucose control should be understood as an important prevention and treatment tool, capable of guiding therapeutic choices and supporting daily health management.