How does blood sugar hinder the immune system?

Question

How does blood sugar hinder the immune system?

I hear alot that it does but no-one ever explains the mechanics behind this.

Any well informed biologist please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Something to think about:  Bacteria and fungii use sugars to multiply, so even in a healthy person lots of sugar can reduce your immune system.  Diabetics have to watch out when they take antibiotics because they already have sugar issues.

Answer 2

As I understand it, high blood sugar inhibits the ability of neutrophils to attach to blood vessel walls and pass through to act at sites of infection or inflammation.  This is called chemotaxis and is a complex process involving many chemical pathways and multiple white blood cell and other cell lines.  I have not heard a convincing molecular mechanism, but it tends to occur even at blood sugar levels less than 200.  This is why people with infections need their blood sugar controlled well in the hospital or at home.

Another mechanism takes longer to develop and involves long-term damage to microscopic and larger blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the extremities.  Damage to nerves makes people unaware of injuries, especially to the feet and legs, while damage to blood vessels themselves lead to the body's inability to deliver white blood cells to the area of infection and to clear waste products.  This is why diabetics should always check their feet for cuts, calluses, and ulcers.

Answer 3

High glucose levels in the blood combine with proteins and form AGE's (Advanced glucosylation end products) These interfere with white blood cells receptors and hinder clearance of pathogens.