Glucose and Its Clinical Significance

Questions and Answers

What is the major carbohydrate present in peripheral blood?

Glucose

What are glucose quantification tests primarily used for?

To aid in the diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes mellitus

What are potential health issues associated with elevated levels of glucose? (Select all that apply)

Insulinoma

Pituitary dysfunction (correct)

Pancreatitis (correct)

Liver disease (correct)

Which condition is associated with low glucose levels? (Select all that apply)

Hypopituitarism Signup and view all the answers

In what type of vial should blood be collected for glucose estimation?

Fluoride containing vial Signup and view all the answers

Fasting blood glucose tests require a fast of 12-16 hours.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal serum fasting blood glucose range?

3.9-5.6 mmol/l Signup and view all the answers

What is the cut-off value for diabetes diagnosis based on a random blood glucose test?

≥ 200 mg/dl (≥11.1 mmol/l) Signup and view all the answers

What is the confirmatory test for diabetes that involves drinking a glucose solution?

Oral glucose tolerance test Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used to determine blood glucose levels?

Linear regression method Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of two glucometers mentioned?

Glucoplus® & On call plus® Signup and view all the answers

What principle do glucometers use to detect glucose?

Electrochemical technology Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Glucose Overview

Glucose is the primary carbohydrate found in peripheral blood.
It serves as the main source of cellular energy through oxidation.
Testing glucose levels is essential for diagnosing and managing Diabetes mellitus.

Clinical Significance of Glucose Levels

Elevated glucose levels can indicate:
- Pancreatitis
- Pituitary and thyroid dysfunction
- Renal failure
- Liver disease
Low glucose levels are associated with:
- Insulinoma
- Hypopituitarism
- Neoplasms
- Insulin-induced hypoglycemia

Screening and Monitoring

Glucose tests are used to:
- Screen for Diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia.
- Monitor drug or dietary therapy in patients with diabetes.
- Determine insulin therapy requirements in diabetic patients, necessitating specialized care.

Specimen Collection

Blood samples for glucose estimation should be collected in fluoride-containing vials to inhibit glycolysis by blocking enolase enzyme activity.

Basic Blood Glucose Tests

Random Blood Glucose (RBG):
- ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l) indicates probable diabetes (according to WHO).
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG):
- Conducted after fasting for 8-12 hours.
- Normal range:
  - Serum sample: 3.9-5.6 mmol/l
  - Blood sample: 3.3-5.6 mmol/l
  - Diabetes diagnosis: ≥ 7.8 mmol/l
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
- Blood is measured before ingestion of glucose and at intervals post-consumption.
- Adults consume 75 grams of glucose; children receive approximately 1.75 g/kg of body weight.
- A measurement greater than 11.1 mmol/l classifies the patient as diabetic.

Methods of Analysis

Colorimetric Method:
- Utilizes plasma obtained from centrifugation and analyzed via biochemistry analyzers.
Amperometric Method:
- Commonly used method to measure whole blood via glucometers.
- Current practical focus includes handling glucometers like Glucoplus® and On Call Plus®.

Glucometer Functionality

Glucose reacts with glucose oxidase on the test strip, generating gluconic acid.
Gluconic acid subsequently reacts with ferricyanide, forming ferrocyanide, which is detected through an electric current.
The method employs electrochemical technology for measurements.

Description

This quiz explores the role of glucose in the human body, its importance as a major carbohydrate, and how glucose levels can indicate various health issues, particularly diabetes mellitus. Test your understanding of glucose metabolism, its clinical implications, and associated conditions.