glycemie

Glycémie, or glycemia, is the concentration of glucose in the blood, a key measure of carbohydrate metabolism and energy supply for tissues.

Normal values: fasting plasma glycemia in healthy adults is about 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L). After a meal, levels typically rise but stay below about 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). Values can be reported as mg/dL or mmol/L; clinical tests generally use plasma glucose rather than whole blood.

Measurement methods: point-of-care finger-prick tests with capillary blood provide rapid estimates; laboratory tests use venous plasma glucose. Continuous glucose monitors track interstitial glucose at frequent intervals.

Physiology: Glycemia is regulated by insulin and counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone. In the fed state, insulin promotes glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis; in the fasting state, liver glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis release glucose to maintain levels.

Clinical relevance: Hypoglycemia (low glycemia) can cause neuroglycopenic symptoms and loss of consciousness. Hyperglycemia (high glycemia) is a feature of diabetes and is linked to long-term vascular complications when chronic. Glycemia is used in diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes, via fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, and HbA1c as a longer-term indicator.

Technologies: monitoring includes continuous glucose monitoring and standardized targets for diabetes management.