Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Questions about results

I've been exercising and losing weight (60 lbs already) since the beginning of this year under the guidance of my doctor for hypertension. I've essentially gotten health enough to get off blood pressure medications (average BP of 125/70 with resting heart rate of 50). Over the last month or so, my doctor has been on a personal hiatus.

I've been suffering from chaffing and a possible rash (no clear diagnoses). I called the clinic he is referring patients about the issue. The first time I went, they told me it's probably fungal in nature or contact dermatitis. I've been cycling about 10-20 miles a day, jogging 1-2 miles every other day and walking about 4 miles a day on top of weight training 5 days a week. I was using a product recommended by many, Bag Balm, that's antiseptic and contains 8-Hydroxyquinoline but was told to no longer use it by the clinic.

The initial problem has mostly cleared up but it comes back when I really push it. So, I was told that if it didn't clear up in a week or two to call back.


So, I called back. They told me to buy a blood glucose monitor and to check my blood glucose levels. I was told if any random test was higher than 200 mg/dl to come in immediately. The monitor I bought doesn't seem to be reliable (-/+ 20%).

I took two night time before bed readings over the past two and got an average result of about 120-125 mg/dl. I went ahead and did an at home A1C test and got a result of 4.9%.

I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for this morning to test my fasting blood glucose levels and my A1C.

Results:
Fasting blood glucose (no. 1): 99mg/dl
Fasting blood glucose (no. 2): 107mg/dl
A1C: 5.0%

They assured my that the machine runs a little high and their normal limit is 110mg/dl. Told me I'm close to prediabetes but my A1C tests being a constant 4.9% to 5.1% over the last 10 months meant my blood sugar was in control or dropping. They said to keep losing weight, stick to my diet and that my skin problems are just incidental to being "an athlete."

I'm a 26 year old male, 6', 208 lbs with 21% bodyfat.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Amen to that brother! Sound advice above. I have similar readings and my doctor says I have reversed the diabetes. Good for you!!
Helpful - 0
141598 tn?1355671763
I'm just worried about getting labeled as "pre-diabetic" now."

Why? You're not gong to be put in front of a firing squad or be sent to jail. Worrying causes stress. Stress elevates glucose levels and increases other health factors. Relax...Keep doing what you're doing and continue testing to ensure progress is being made.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks.

Starting with the BMI, my BMI is high I know. But my body fat percentage is in the average category. I'd like to lose overall mass rather than just lose simply fat for blood pressure reasons. Right now, I'm dropping about 1-2 lbs a weeks.

My A1C went from 5.5% last November to 5.1% after losing 30 lbs in February to 5.0% (test at doctor's office) or 4.9% (tested at home) this week. They ran the test twice with results of 99mg/dl and 107 mg/dl. Which is pretty much near or at prediabetes.

My blood pressure reacted very well to losing weight and so did my blood sugar. They ran these tests to make sure the possible fungal infection was not associated with any other condition but now I'm a little worried. My doctor rant these tests, including a glucose urine test, back in November and said everything was perfectly normal but to be cautious.

I'm just worried about getting labeled as "pre-diabetic" now.
Helpful - 0
141598 tn?1355671763
Fungal skin infections -
Try bathing with Selsun Blue or Head & Shoulders shampoo. Both contain active ingredients which kill fungal growth. Be sure to let stand on skin for a few minutes prior to washing off. You can read more by going to Wikipedia and search key words "antifungal medication".

"The monitor I bought doesn't seem to be reliable (-/+ 20%)."
The test meter meets the FDA requirements. Home meters are used to judge an average and/or approximate value of your daily glucose levels. They are not used to provide an accurate reading. Also keep in mind fasting glucose tests test only at time of the test and does not account of the variables. Variables meaning not all red blood cells are alike nor contain the same amount, if any, of excess glucose. This is why results will always have different values from the next even from the same blood sample.

The A1c currently provides the most accurate reading of your glucose because it accounts for this variable. Your 4.9% A1c indicates an eAG [estimated Average Glucose] of 94 mg/dl, normal. On the other hand an A1c of 5.1% equates to an eAG of 100 mg/dl which is the beginning level of prediabetes.

You're doing great on exercise. Now pay careful attention to your nutrition and weight. Besides avoiding sugary foods avoid foods made with white flour - breads, crackers, noodles, etc - as these quickly turn into sugar after eating. Restrict starchy food intake - potatoes, white rice, and so on. Reduce carb intake to very low or to zero. Carbs will jack up glucose levels the same as refined sugar.

As far as your weight a BMI over 30 indicates obesity. Your BMI results from several calculators returned 31-33. Normal for you is below 24. Lose the weight, eat properly and you'll likely to see normal glucose levels. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I should add I've been using miconazole and clotrimazole for the past two weeks. I've read that various antifungals can increase blood sugar and am not sure if that makes a difference. This is probably going to make me exercise harder and eat even better as another wake up call.

But, I'd just like to know how much I should worry or if there's any worry necessary.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Diabetes - Type 2 Community

Top Diabetes Answerers
231441 tn?1333892766
Manila, Philippines
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are three summertime recipes that will satisfy your hunger without wreaking havoc on your blood sugar.
If you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable. Find out how you can stop diabetes before it starts.
Diabetes-friendly recipes and tips for your game day party.
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Simple ways to keep your blood sugar in check.
8 blood sugar-safe eats.