Blood carbohydrate index (BCI) is an indicator that characterizes the patient’s glucose tolerance for patients with type 2 diabetes. BCI level directly correlates with blood sugar. If the BCI is higher than the reference values (Normal ranges: 49.2-70.8), then the patient’s blood glucose is considered above the normal value. And consequently, when BCI is lower than the reference values, then the patient’s blood glucose is below the norm.

This indicator fluctuates significantly during a short period of time. It can change from 10 up to 40 minutes, depending on the state of health of a patient and current diseases. The dynamic of BCI also depends on food intake and emotional state. In healthy patients, the dynamic range is narrow and varies within reference values, slightly exceeding it after eating. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the dynamic range of BCI is wider and almost always higher than the reference values (in case of a patient does not intake insulin).

High BCI level can be dangerous. Occasionally elevated BCI level causes excessive urination, thirst and hunger, as well as weight loss. Over time, if BCI level is constantly high, it can lead to lower-extremity paresthesia (“pins and needles” sensations) and/or loss of feeling, blurry vision and high risk of infection. In more serious cases, kidney and eye damage, heart attack and stroke are not ruled out. Extremely high BCI levels (300 or more) can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, followed by loss of consciousness or even death.

Low BCI Low BCI, less than 42, manifested by the following symptoms: hunger, nervousness, perspiration, dizziness and even confusion. If untreated, low BCI may result in unconsciousness, seizures, coma, or death. People with diabetes who overdose medication (insulin) or intake their usual doze but then eat less or exercise more than usual, hypoglycemia can develop. Much rarer, hypoglycemia may develop in healthy people due to uncontrolled intake of non-prescribed drugs or excessive alcohol consumption, development of severe hepatitis or a rare tumour of the pancreas (insulinoma).

In case of a sudden and sharp decrease in BCI, it is highly recommended to check glucose level using the appropriately approved glucometers. After confirmation of hypoglycemia, oral glucose intake can be used as an emergency (like 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey or corn syrup, or IV fluids containing glucose). BCI level, as well as blood glucose, are to be checked in 15 minutes after taken glucose. It is necessary to consult a doctor and adhere to his/her treatment recommendations in the future.