BLOOD GLUCOSE
Oct 15, 2009 5:25:58 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Oct 15, 2009 5:25:58 GMT 10
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Glucose levels are a result of glucose production and use in the body.
Sources of blood glucose are Exogenous (food intake) and Endogenous (produced within the body).
When food is not available, continuing body requirements causes endogenous glucose production. The liver, under hormonal influences, maintains blood glucose for about 24 hours.
Thereafter, body proteins (mainly muscle) are used as the main source of endogenous glucose, resulting in a reduction of muscle bulk.
Several hormones increase blood glucose; these include Glucagon, Glucocorticoid, Epinephrine, Growth Hormone and Progesterone.
The Pancreas, using Glucagon and Insulin controls the normal regulation of blood glucose levels.
When blood glucose decreases, Glucagon output from Alpha cells in the Pancreas increases and Insulin secretion from Pancreatic Beta cells is suppressed.
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycaemia)
In the racing greyhound, Hypoglycaemia is seldom seen in isolation, but generally as part of a syndrome that may include signs of liver failure, Adrenocortial insufficiency and acute Pancreatitis.
The severity of the symptoms of Hypoglycaemia is related more to the speed of the decline in blood glucose, than a gradual decrease, and generally cause few signs other than, intermittent weakness after exercise or occasionally 2 to 6 hours after eating.
With persistent Hypoglycaemia check for Pancreatic tumours.
High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycaemia)
The most common cause of mild to moderate Hyperglycaemia is stress or excitement. Stress causes Glucocorticoid secretion by the adrenal gland, which results in the liver producing more Glucose.
While excitement causes Catecholamine release, which also results in the liver producing glucose.
In severely stressed greyhounds suffering from Hyperadrenocorticism other signs may include, Polydipsia (increased thirst), Polyuria (excessive amounts of urine), thin skin, some hair loss (due to Thyroid suppression) and possibly abdominal distension.
It is not usually necessary to treat the symptoms of Hyperglycaemia, except to change and treat the underlying causes of the stress, such as changing training methods.
Glucose levels are a result of glucose production and use in the body.
Sources of blood glucose are Exogenous (food intake) and Endogenous (produced within the body).
When food is not available, continuing body requirements causes endogenous glucose production. The liver, under hormonal influences, maintains blood glucose for about 24 hours.
Thereafter, body proteins (mainly muscle) are used as the main source of endogenous glucose, resulting in a reduction of muscle bulk.
Several hormones increase blood glucose; these include Glucagon, Glucocorticoid, Epinephrine, Growth Hormone and Progesterone.
The Pancreas, using Glucagon and Insulin controls the normal regulation of blood glucose levels.
When blood glucose decreases, Glucagon output from Alpha cells in the Pancreas increases and Insulin secretion from Pancreatic Beta cells is suppressed.
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycaemia)
In the racing greyhound, Hypoglycaemia is seldom seen in isolation, but generally as part of a syndrome that may include signs of liver failure, Adrenocortial insufficiency and acute Pancreatitis.
The severity of the symptoms of Hypoglycaemia is related more to the speed of the decline in blood glucose, than a gradual decrease, and generally cause few signs other than, intermittent weakness after exercise or occasionally 2 to 6 hours after eating.
With persistent Hypoglycaemia check for Pancreatic tumours.
High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycaemia)
The most common cause of mild to moderate Hyperglycaemia is stress or excitement. Stress causes Glucocorticoid secretion by the adrenal gland, which results in the liver producing more Glucose.
While excitement causes Catecholamine release, which also results in the liver producing glucose.
In severely stressed greyhounds suffering from Hyperadrenocorticism other signs may include, Polydipsia (increased thirst), Polyuria (excessive amounts of urine), thin skin, some hair loss (due to Thyroid suppression) and possibly abdominal distension.
It is not usually necessary to treat the symptoms of Hyperglycaemia, except to change and treat the underlying causes of the stress, such as changing training methods.