Do diabetics have sugary interstitial fluid?

  • Thread starter Lo.Lee.Ta.
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In summary, the conversation discusses how capillaries leak blood plasma, which includes sugar and other nutrients, into the interstitial fluid near body cells. If there is no insulin present or if the person has diabetes and insulin does not create a response, the interstitial fluid will remain high in sugar since the glucose cannot enter the cells. Capillaries only use diffusion as transport and cannot reabsorb glucose from the interstitial fluid. When someone has high blood sugar, it also means that the interstitial fluid sugar concentration is high. The use of Continues Glucose Monitors (CGM) can track blood glucose levels from the interstitial fluid, but there is a time-lag of about 10 minutes. Therefore
  • #1
Lo.Lee.Ta.
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So my understanding is that capillaries leak out their blood plasma containing sugar and other nutrients insulin (when sugar present)near body cells, and this is what comprises interstitial fluid.
But what if no insulin is present (Type 1 diabetes) or insulin creates no response (Type 2 diabetes)?
Does the interstitial fluid just remain sugary since the glucose can't enter the cells?
My understanding is that capillaries only use diffusion as transport, so they can't reabsorb glucose from the interstitial fluid, right?
When someone has a "high blood sugar," does this also mean that interstitial fluid sugar concentration is also high...?

Thanks SO much! :)
I have been researching this forever but can't find a clear answer! #=_=
 
  • #3
Any answer?, i want to know too.
 
  • #4
Continues Glucose Monitors (CGM) used in people with diabetes to track their blood glucose levels every 5 minutes or so can be used to check their blood glucose from the interstitial fluid, obviously there is a time-lag between the blood that is directly from plasma and the interstitial fluid, of about 10 minutes. So to answer the question, yes interstitial fluid would contain high glucose if a person is diabetic and didn't main their glucose levels with insulin (Mainly T1) and (Oral Meds T2).

Blood flow rich in glucose from capillaries would leak into the interstitial fluid, when their glucose plasma is high, it will also mean their interstitial fluid is high in glucose too.
 
  • #5
Thank you Kiyal,
 

1. What is interstitial fluid?

Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and fills the spaces between cells in the body. It is made up of water, electrolytes, and other substances that are necessary for the functioning of cells.

2. How does diabetes affect interstitial fluid?

In diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which can also accumulate in the interstitial fluid. This excess glucose in the interstitial fluid can lead to a condition called hyperglycemia.

3. Is sugary interstitial fluid a sign of diabetes?

Not necessarily. While high levels of glucose in the interstitial fluid can be a sign of diabetes, there are other factors that can also contribute to this, such as stress, illness, or certain medications. A proper diagnosis of diabetes should be made by a healthcare professional.

4. How does high levels of glucose in the interstitial fluid affect the body?

Hyperglycemia, or high levels of glucose in the interstitial fluid, can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and nerve damage. If left untreated, it can also lead to more serious conditions, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

5. Can testing interstitial fluid be an effective way to monitor diabetes?

Testing interstitial fluid can be a useful way to monitor diabetes, as it can provide real-time information about glucose levels in the body. However, blood glucose testing is still considered the most accurate method for monitoring diabetes, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper management and treatment of the condition.

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