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Avatar universal

HI NEW

I am 70 and never was a sweet eater. Great shape and no pills six feet tall 180 pounds most of my life.
Had exam and mt AIC test was 6.0 for the last six months. Sugar was 124 after fasting.
I don't know much about this stuff and DR said just come back and test again in three months

I have cut way back on sugar and carbs. Any advise?
Thanks
Best Answer
141598 tn?1355671763
Your A1c verified your fasting level of 124 mg/dl, right at the borderline for diabetes [126 mg/dl]. The 3 month follow up testing will be another A1c as the A1c looks back at your blood sugars for the past 3 months. You want it <5% although some doctors accept up to 5.7%.

Your BMI is 24.4 at the upper range of normal. At 160 lbs your BMI would be 21.7, smack dab in the middle of normal [18.5 - 24.9]. Shedding a few pounds will help lower your blood sugars. And then....

"I have cut way back on sugar and carbs. Any advise?"
This is kind of a general statement as you didn't mention how much you cut back. It is, however, a very good start. First step is to eliminate sugar completely from your diet. Instead, use alternative sweeteners like Splenda or Stevia. Next is cutting way back on carbs. Use Google to understand the difference between simple and complex carbs. The latter is good for you. You do need some carbs in your body for energy. So pay attention to portion sizes. If you go too low on carbs your skin will start to stink like ammonia so watch this carefully. The last key is exercise. Exercise helps burn off excess sugar. You want to do 30-60 minutes of exercise daily or at least 5 times a week. Walking at a good pace really burns off excess
sugars. Good luck -

Last and foremost is your home glucose [blood sugar] test meter. If you don't have they are available at Walgreens or Wal*Mart for under $15. Carefully read the instructions, the do's and don'ts. You want to test at
1.] Fasting, first thing in morning b4 eating or drinking any colored liquids.
2.] Preprandial, b4 a meal for a baseline measurement
3.] Postprandial, 2-3 hrs after a meal. Compare against preprandial results. This will tell how the foods you ate affected your blood sugars. Avoid those that do.
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231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

there is an error margin on the home test meter.  The variability reflects the meter rather than your blood sugars jumping around.  Some meters are more inaccurate than others.  Looks like yours is have about 15% variability, which is not so good (but 5 - 10% variability seems pretty standard).

Look at the general pattern and direction and use the numbers as an indication.

What you ate the day before can also affect readings the next morning.  I find if I eat carbs at night my next morning reading is also higher.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Need some help in understanding this morning test. I test with a "Freestyle Freedom Lite" As you can see by my thread I feel I have it under control however my numbers are no consistent.

I am usually between high 90s and low 100s. I take it in the morning usually 10 hr. after last meal and within an hour of getting up.. The numbers move around all the time though.
Example I took it the other day and it read  115 I then retook it and it read 98  
Then a few days later got a 91 wow good. Four days later got a 124 retook it two minuets later got 107 more like my normal.

What's up with this stuff? My wife who is normal her numbers also jump around from low 80s to mid 90s.
Is this normal?

I wash my hands,dry them completely then set up the pricker and the strip. Any thoughts?
Thanks
PS I need to get a A1c I know.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Wow, sounds great!  Good for you!  Can't wait to see what your A1c is!  Thanks for the update!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well its been awhile so I will bring you up to date.Have been really watching my sugar and carbs. and believe I have turned back this pre-diabetes thing.

My morning tests have gone from around 113/110 to now 99/90 and sometimes as low as 85. I am going to get an A1C next month and expect that to show no problem with sugar. I think my problem was simply bad eating short term as I never did have bad habits until last year. Anyway thanks for your help I will post my A1C when I get it and as usual if you have comment or suggestions they are always welcome.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
One more tip, for the sake of your fingers, always rotate the site.  If your meter uses blood obtained from fingers, you can use the tips of the fingers, and the sides of the top of your finger.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
For one, the glucose readings will always vary to an extent.

Have you CAREFULLY read the instructions that come with your meter?  Does it require calibration?  That's usually done with vials of a test solution to ensure that the meter is calibrated within the limits of the "low" and "high" range.  You have to be sure you're doing that, per the instructions.

Also, you always want to wash your hands before and after testing, and the machine itself should be wiped down (usually with acohol, or other recommended solution), at least every coupe days...daily is optimal.  Be sure you are stoering the meter in its case, not just lying around to collect dust, and avoid keeping it where there is a chance of it being exposed to extreme temps or sunlight (ie on a window sill).

You should use an alcohol wipe on your finger before using the lancet to obtain the sample.  Make sure the alcohol on your finger is dry before poking it with the lancet.  You can let it air dry, or wipe it off with a guaze pad (avilable OTC in any Pharmacy, first aid section, 2x2 size is sufficient).

The variations are probably a combination of the normal fluctuatation you would see, and user issues with the meter.

The postprandial glucose reading is typically taken 2 hours after a meal is completed.  If you finish dinner at 6:20, test at 8:20, or as close to that time as you can.

Try to resist the urge to test multiple times at the same time to see what results you're getting, because like I said, you are always going to see a level of fluctuation, it's not like it's going to be, say, "98" every time.  You may get one that is 98, then a 95, then a 101.  That's normal.  The more accurately you are using the meter and the more stringent you are about the testing process, the more accurate and consistent your values will be.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Need some guidance. Take my blood every morning fasting test when I first get up. I am using a Free Style Lite and on average get a reading of between 102 and 105. So today I set up the stuff then go wash my hands [hot water and soap] make sure they are dry then insert strip and test. I get a reading of 94 so I say lets do it again and put another strip in, use the same puncture hole and get a reading of 99. I am now not happy so I go back to the bathroom quickly rince my finger [no soap] and come with the same hole but new blood and get a reading of 104! Ghezz whats up with this thing?

Next question:

The two hour after meal test. Should that be two hours AFTER the meal or two hours after FIRST starting the meal?  I have seen it both ways

Thanks a lot
Helpful - 0
231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

Alcohol can reduce your blood sugars because it has a suppressive effect on your liver (the liver is too busy detoxing the alcohol to be bothered spitting out sugar).  

As long as you are not taking insulin (in which case alcohol can cause hypos and unpredicatable blood sugars), an occassional drink or two should be fine - though do avoid sweetened drinks which can still add unnecessarily to blood sugar rises.

I do take insulin. However, when I drink alcohol, my blood sugars will be much lower than usual compared to normal response without alcholol.  Still not an excuse to drink much. ;)

Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
LMAO....my friends have coined a nickname for me because I'm a stickler about grammar and spelling.  Lately, though, I've noticed I'm slipping.  :0(  Lots nof typos and grammatical errors.  Boo, I'm getting old.  ;0)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ick..grammar...Here *are* some basic facts......
======================================================
Ahhh, a perfectionist!! Good for you. I want a nurse like you.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Ick..grammar...Here *are* some basic facts......
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Yes, you found the cure!  BEER!  LOL...If only, huh?

Make sure you're limiting your alcohol intake as much as you can.  Here is some very basic facts about alcohol and diabetes:

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/alcohol.html

Fasting numbers could be better, just keep working on it, you're trying, and that's great!  Sounds like you already are feeling better with the changes you have made, that's super!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the input.  Here are my last five fasting days numbers,103, 104, 102, 97,104

The 97 was the morning after I went to a party and had three beers. Could I have found a CURE for this thing;  BEER?

All I have done is change the crazy eating habit I got into with all the deserts and watch my sugar. Also I do not have any of those sharp pains in my feet that I was getting.

I will keep you informed thanks for your expertize you folks are great.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Thanks for your input!  Great info!  :0)
Helpful - 0
231441 tn?1333892766
Hello,

The purpose of testing should be to know what your fasting blood sugars are (this is a good way to monitor general progress for many with pre or overt diabetes) and 2 hours after eating, to see how a certain food affected you and then you can use this information to change your diet and select appropriate foods.

Just for reference, truely normal blood sugars are very close to about 84 and would rarely go above 100, regardless of what you ate.  Your 96 is not too low.  It is actually ok.  Truely normal HBA1Cs are in the range of about 4.3 - 4.6.  Above this should be watched and reacted to primarily with diet and lifestyle measures.

Many doctors don't get concerned if their patients sugars are less than 120, others don't get concerned until numbers reach 180.  There is a very wide range of approaches.

WR and I both take the view that it is important to get blood sugars as close to normal as possible.  A blood sugar test kit is the tool that lets us know how different foods affect us.

NG takes a bit more of a lenient approach and is not so concerned with the levels you report, which according to the standard medical establishment are not really a concern.

You will have to decide which approach you prefer.  Read up!

Your higher fasting numbers may mean something called dawn phenomenon.  It is quite common in persons with diabetes and happens when the liver dumps glucose during the overnight fast.  

You may discuss with your doctor starting on a low dose of metformin to help with this.  Metformin reduces insulin resistance.  Exercise and weight loss also help with insulin resistance.

Regardless prediabetes, or early diabetes, is manageable.  Sounds like you are wellon teh right track.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
The glucose meters available today are actually MUCH less confusing than they used to be, but they still can be a bit difficult to understand when you're new to it.

I'm glad you've figured out the proper way to use it.  That will definitely make your results more accurate.

The fasting was a little high.  Are you testing twice daily like your doctor recommended?  Why not ask your doctor when he thinks the best times, in addition to the fasting level...he would like you to test?

Since you're new to this, checking your fasting level, one postprandial level, and maybe one other time during the day would be appropriate.  Ask your doc what he thinks.  Let us know!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Me again. Well I finally figured out the right way to test. I could not get the darn thing to work with all sorts of blood on it. Come to find out there are two little half circles [black] on the testing end. You are only suppose to use ONE!!  In other words, come at it from the side. Would have been nice if the pic showed that.

Anyway, got 113 fasting this morning and get this, I got 96 three hours after a meal I eat at 13;45.  I tested at 16:45  could not test at the two hour mark no time. Isn't that 96 low for that time of day? I am going to try tomorrow to get a two hour test after a good lunch. I am running out of this thread sorry for the long posts.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
You've done an amazing job! Just losing those couple pounds makes a difference!  That's super.

Glad we could help...stop by and update us...let us know how you're doing!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As far as the DR. I will good next month. That will be three month so I should get one of those A1c test. Hope it is down in the 5s.

I am amazed how this has me all shook up [to quote Elvis] this is the first internal thing other that a few cuts, bones and all the stuff life throws at you if your active. I'll beat it though!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yup, I think I will solve this. As I said I think this is the result of bad eating on my part. I have never been over weight and take zero meds. Since this popped up I have gone from 187lbs to 179lbs. Feel good so now with my fasting down to almost high normal I will realize I am indeed getting older and watch what I do.
Thanks to both of you,you truly have been a valuable resource. I'll keep you posted.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Got it and replied, thanks
Helpful - 0
141598 tn?1355671763
see my pm
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
The free standing glucose is probably just a random check, at a time of day of your choosing.  It can probably vary from day to day (which would actually be good, to test at different times).  To clarify, ask your doc.

I'm glad you got specific instructions.  That's going to help take some of the guess work out of this for you.

Don't be too hard on yourself.  Eating sweets will not CAUSE diabetes, it's a bit more complicated than that.  Could be a result of getting older, if you are overweight, that would be a factor, and having a family history would factor in as well.

You're on the right track, which is what is so important.  When do you have to go see your doc again?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thanks to both of you you are very helpful.
I called my Doc and the office ordered the tester and the strips etc. save me some $$ by doing it that way. On the script it said test once a day fasting and once a day free standing blood sugar [what ever that is].

I gave the numbers yesterday so just for info after eating kind of normal yesterday my fasting this morning was 104.
Looking back on all this because of a move and some unhappiness we were eating to many sweets. Ice cream pies,chips etc. Teh only unexplained thing is I seem to have Np a little. Maybe nerves I don't like having anything wrong. To many years of perfect health. I guess @ 70 I better get use to it.
Thanks again
Helpful - 0
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