March 28, 2006
Complications
Question from India:
Can persistent elevated glucose levels be harmful directly without elevated lipids and other tests? If lipids, protein, CBC, PCV, etc. levels are normal or on some lower side, then, will persistent elevated glucose levels can be equally harmful? I think it may not be classified under metabolic syndrome? Is there any compensatory balance in between glucose, lipids and proteins in body? If one is lower, can it make others higher keeping total body energy stores as similar?
Answer:
The disease model for elevated blood sugars without elevated lipids has been type 1 diabetes. In that situation, you have had the glucose hypothesis documented through the DCCT. Elevated glucose levels are associated with vascular dysfunction in the small blood vessels. Elevated glucose levels change the function of structural proteins, change the energy-producing function of cells, and result in long-term cellular dysfunction and, potentially, cell death.
JTL
