High blood sugar silently erodes key organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. In a state of persistent hyperglycemia, the human body is deeply harmed as if it is immersed in a solution with extremely high sugar concentrations.
The study published in the journal Nature also found that the suppressive effect of high blood sugar on the immune system of the lungs increases the risk of contracting the virus.
In the lungs, dendritic cells are seen as guardians of immunity, capturing and processing pathogens, which in turn display these pathogen antigens in the lungs' draining lymph nodes, triggering an immune response by T cells to fight colds and other respiratory infections.
However, scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science revealed the negative effects of high blood sugar on these lung dendritic cells. In a hyperglycemic environment, the function of these cells is suppressed, which leads to a decrease in immune function, making hyperglycemic organisms more susceptible to respiratory viruses.
Further animal experiments showed that the viral load and mortality of the lungs of diabetic mice were significantly increased after infection with influenza virus. But through blood sugar control, such as the use of insulin, these diabetic mice can enhance their ability to clear the virus and survive, and help repair damaged lungs.
Through advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technology, the researchers further revealed that although lung dendritic cells remain active in a high-glucose environment, their gene expression associated with antigen processing is inhibited, thereby reducing their ability to induce T cell immune responses.
Overall, this study reveals how hyperglycemia increases the risk of respiratory viral infections, and that dendritic cells in the lungs are a key link between hyperglycemia and influenza susceptibility.
Lungs: Dendritic cells act as the main immune sentinels of the lungs, responsible for capturing and processing pathogens. However, in a hyperglycemic environment, the function of these cells is inhibited, which reduces their resistance to the virus.
Diabetes and infection: Studies have shown that diabetic mice have a significant increase in viral load and mortality after being infected with the virus. However, with insulin**, its ability to clear the virus can be improved.
Blood vessels: Hyperglycemia causes damage to blood vessels, increasing the deposition of glycoproteins, which in turn thickens the walls of blood vessels.
Eye: Diabetes can lead to retinopathy, including blockage and rupture of blood vessels, and in severe cases, retinal detachment.
Kidneys: Hyperglycemia causes damage to the glomeruli and gradually lose function.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular: Long-term hyperglycemia may lead to coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.
Nervous system: Hyperglycemia causes a variety of neuropathies that manifest in a variety of ways.
Immune system: A high-sugar environment suppresses immune function and increases the risk of infection.
Foot: Diabetic foot is caused by wounds that are difficult to heal and become infected, which can eventually lead to necrosis of foot tissue.
High blood sugar has a profound effect on all aspects of the human body, and it is especially important to control blood sugar. There are a number of measures we can take to manage and prevent hyperglycemia. Maintain a good diet and limit your intake of sugar and foods high in sugar. Blood sugar tests are done regularly to make sure your blood sugar levels are within the normal range. Moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also essential for controlling blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar is not only associated with diabetes, but can also affect all aspects of the body, including the immune system and lung health. Therefore, we need to recognize the dangers of high blood sugar and take effective measures to prevent and manage it to ensure the health and safety of the body. In your daily life, paying attention to your blood sugar levels and focusing on a healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing hyperglycemia and its related problems.