BCI
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.
What BCI shows
If the BCI is higher than the reference values (normal ranges: 55.2–76.8), 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.
Dynamics of BCI
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.
Healthy patients
The dynamic range is narrow and varies within reference values, slightly exceeding it after eating.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
The dynamic range of BCI is wider and almost always higher than the reference values (in case a patient does not take insulin).
High BCI
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 can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, followed by loss of consciousness or even death.
Low BCI
Low BCI, less than 42, is 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 take their usual dose but then eat less or exercise more than usual, can develop hypoglycaemia. Much more rarely, hypoglycaemia 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).
What to do if BCI falls sharply
- In case of a sudden and sharp decrease in BCI, it is highly recommended to check glucose level using an appropriately approved glucometer.
- After confirmation of hypoglycaemia, oral glucose intake can be used as an emergency measure (like 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey or corn syrup, or IV fluids containing glucose).
- BCI level, as well as blood glucose, are to be checked 15 minutes after taking glucose.
- It is necessary to consult a doctor and adhere to his or her treatment recommendations in the future.
This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. BCI does not replace blood glucose measurement with an approved glucometer or laboratory test.
Published on 2 July 2019