How Does Glucose Damage Your Blood Vessels

Glucose is the source of our energy. Whenever we feel low and weak, we either drink glucose powder or if the matters are worse, doctors put you on a glucose drip. There are various sources through which our body gets glucose. The main source is food rich in carbs such as potatoes and rice.

As much as glucose is necessary for energising our body to complete routine tasks an excess of the same glucose can be the cause of our death.

Glucose: A Sweet Poison For Our Blood Vessels

We have often heard the saying that “excessive sweetness can be poisonous." This statement is true even scientifically, as high percentage of glucose in the blood leads to a condition called hyperglycemia. It is a common condition faced by people suffering from diabetes. It is common knowledge how diabetes reduces a person's life expectancy. However, very few people are aware of the fact that excess glucose in the blood has detrimental effects on the blood vessels.

This Story also Contains

1. Glucose: A Sweet Poison For Our Blood Vessels
2. Excess Glucose And Other Ways For Cholesterol Depositions
3. Excess Glucose And Glycation
4. Other Effects Of Excess Glucose On The Body
5. How A Change In Lifestyle Can Help?

We have all noticed that people suffering from diabetes and obesity have a higher risk of stroke. So, the question arises “How are fat, glucose and heart diseases connected?”

Our blood vessels are surrounded by flat epithelial cells. These cells are surrounded by the basement membrane, which is the lining of the blood vessels.

When there is more than the required amount of glucose in the body, these epithelial cells absorb the excess glucose along with water. This entry of excess water results in the swelling of the epithelial cells. This causes the diameter of the blood vessels to shrink, and as a result, there is an increase in blood pressure.

Apart from this, the layer of epithelial cells moves away from the basement membrane, resulting in its exposure. This tricks the immune system to cover the exposed membrane using LDL cholesterol and blood clotting factor. Over many years, this cholesterol gets deposited in the blood vessels, causing damage.

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Excess Glucose And Other Ways For Cholesterol Depositions

Generally, the level of glucose is regulated by the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin in the body, which controls the glucose present in the blood. When the functioning of the pancreas gets impaired, then insulin production is reduced significantly. Thus, the body fails to balance insulin and glucose levels. As a result, there is an excess amount of glucose in the body.

When the body works normally, glucose enters the cells surrounding the blood vessels through the process of diffusion. The insulin binds to the receptor present on the surface of the cells. This provides a passage for the glucose to leave the blood vessel and enter the cells, where it undergoes glycolysis to release energy. This is the general process for releasing energy.

However, when there is excess glucose in the body, it causes insulin resistance in the body. Insulin resistance causes the buildup of glucose in the blood cells. The extra glucose is then diffused into the surrounding tissues of the blood vessels.

Excess Glucose And Glycation

Once the surplus glucose enters the blood cells, it allows the entry of the excess water surrounding the cell. This results in the swelling of the cell. When water is removed, it leaves the surrounding cells empty. The immune system of the body works on it, and helps in the deposition of the LDL in the vacant place. Excess glucose leads to the deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels. It can be done in several ways. One of the main mechanisms is glycation. When glucose levels are high, surplus glucose molecules can bind to proteins, including LDL cholesterol. This is known as glycation, and it can alter the structure of LDL cholesterol, making it more likely to be taken up and deposited in the walls of arteries.

Additionally, high blood glucose levels can produce free radicals, which can damage LDL cholesterol and make it more susceptible to oxidation. Oxidised LDL cholesterol is particularly harmful, as it can trigger an inflammatory response in the arteries and promote the deposition of fat. Deposition of fat is the main culprit and the connecting link between glucose and stroke. This damage can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

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Other Effects Of Excess Glucose On The Body

Moreover, high blood glucose levels in the body can result in several other damaging effects. It can also damage the small blood vessels in our eyes, kidneys, and nerves. This can lead to a range of serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, and neuropathy.

Excess glucose can lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis, a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or arms, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.

How A Change In Lifestyle Can Help?

To reduce the deposition of LDL fat in the arteries, it is important to change your lifestyle. This can be achieved by adopting healthy habits. Some of them are as follows:

• It is important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This can cause the easy excretion of water from the body. This can retain the shape of the epithelial cell. This can be achieved through a combination of medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood glucose levels regularly.

• In addition, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. It can also help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and related complications.

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