Aa
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
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
Thanks!! I got more from U than the Dr.
I have always been fit and worked a lot on my property. This thing has come up during this year that we sold our home and moved into a smaller less physical home. Why I don't know. Anyway I swim 5 days a week and have gone from 186lbs to 180lbs.
I look at the sugar content of everything. We are buying sugar free stuff and most of it is good.
I am eating more fruit [guess that is good] and salads now. Back to eating steaks once a week and things like that.
I will read up on the good and bad carbs thanks for that.
I think this happened because for some reason we got into eating pies,chips and all that stuff so I'm hoping if I get back to myself and pick up my exercise thing will return to normal.
Thanks again
I have always been fit and worked a lot on my property. This thing has come up during this year that we sold our home and moved into a smaller less physical home. Why I don't know. Anyway I swim 5 days a week and have gone from 186lbs to 180lbs.
I look at the sugar content of everything. We are buying sugar free stuff and most of it is good.
I am eating more fruit [guess that is good] and salads now. Back to eating steaks once a week and things like that.
I will read up on the good and bad carbs thanks for that.
I think this happened because for some reason we got into eating pies,chips and all that stuff so I'm hoping if I get back to myself and pick up my exercise thing will return to normal.
Thanks again
"I look at the sugar content of everything."
When reading nutrition labels pay close attention to sugars listed under carbohydrates. They list the amount as grams. Kinda misleading as folks don't realize every 7 grams equals one heaping tablespoon of refined sugar. For example, one 8 oz glass of dairy milk may contain upwards of 12 grams of sugar. That alone will light you up.
Fruit contains fructose, fruit sugar. Eat fruits with other foods to slow the absorption of fructose. Avoid tropical fruits like pineapple, guava, mangoes, etc as these have high fructose levels. Melons and berries are low on the list. And, no dried fruits like apricots or raisins.
I use this web site often to see nutritional values on foods. It provides an in-depth look beyond what labels provide and has become an invaluable tool. http://nutritiondata.self.com/
I feel your doctor's experience was a wake-up call. You know what you need to do so keep up the good work.
Remember to test, test, test. Good luck -
When reading nutrition labels pay close attention to sugars listed under carbohydrates. They list the amount as grams. Kinda misleading as folks don't realize every 7 grams equals one heaping tablespoon of refined sugar. For example, one 8 oz glass of dairy milk may contain upwards of 12 grams of sugar. That alone will light you up.
Fruit contains fructose, fruit sugar. Eat fruits with other foods to slow the absorption of fructose. Avoid tropical fruits like pineapple, guava, mangoes, etc as these have high fructose levels. Melons and berries are low on the list. And, no dried fruits like apricots or raisins.
I use this web site often to see nutritional values on foods. It provides an in-depth look beyond what labels provide and has become an invaluable tool. http://nutritiondata.self.com/
I feel your doctor's experience was a wake-up call. You know what you need to do so keep up the good work.
Remember to test, test, test. Good luck -
I have been reading about the Gl Load and Gi index seems to me if I stay under the 19 on the load I should be ok. under 10 is great but unattainable.
Under 55 id good on the index if I have all this right.
They show ice cream as not to bad [gi 57 gl 6] how is that?
Under 55 id good on the index if I have all this right.
They show ice cream as not to bad [gi 57 gl 6] how is that?
"They show ice cream as not to bad [gi 57 gl 6] how is that?"
I used to be keen on the GI but found it has faults.The GI may list low carb ice cream as being OK, but the GI does not take into account carb sugars. Why this is is beyond me. This I do know, Ice cream may have upwards of 40 grams of carb sugar per 3/4 cup. Not something you want.
I used to be keen on the GI but found it has faults.The GI may list low carb ice cream as being OK, but the GI does not take into account carb sugars. Why this is is beyond me. This I do know, Ice cream may have upwards of 40 grams of carb sugar per 3/4 cup. Not something you want.
My wife found sugar free ice cream,its not bad. Also sugar free jello pudding, the cooked type. Not many carbs also.
I really don't eat much sweets anyway but do like a snack at night. I am trying, thanks for your help.
I really don't eat much sweets anyway but do like a snack at night. I am trying, thanks for your help.
Edy's
Slow Churned,NO sugar added!!
Sugar=3g
Carbs=15g yikes!!
fiber=2g
sugar alcohol=4g what is that?
Also 1/2 the fat
Doesn't sound as good now I read the label. Thoughts?
Slow Churned,NO sugar added!!
Sugar=3g
Carbs=15g yikes!!
fiber=2g
sugar alcohol=4g what is that?
Also 1/2 the fat
Doesn't sound as good now I read the label. Thoughts?
Dreyer's Grand makes Edy's. Whenever you see on the label "No Sugar Added" it means no sugar added to the included sugar, which you list as 3 grams. That is enough to turn me away. Look for "Sugar Free" products.
Sugar alcohols are usually used with an artificial sweetener to enhance sweetness of foods. Consumption of sugar alcohols does affect blood sugar levels, but in small amounts does little to elevate blood sugars mainly due to them not being digestible. That being said, as with most nondigestible food sources, sugar alcohols may also cause bloating and diarrhea when consumed in excessive amount. This amount may vary by each person. HTH
Sugar alcohols are usually used with an artificial sweetener to enhance sweetness of foods. Consumption of sugar alcohols does affect blood sugar levels, but in small amounts does little to elevate blood sugars mainly due to them not being digestible. That being said, as with most nondigestible food sources, sugar alcohols may also cause bloating and diarrhea when consumed in excessive amount. This amount may vary by each person. HTH
I can see this is going to take some time. Ay any rate I know i have cut my intake in half if not more.
As I have said I am not over weight so I have to at least maintain my weight. I don't want to waste away to 160lbs etc.
As I have said I am not over weight so I have to at least maintain my weight. I don't want to waste away to 160lbs etc.
Need some help.
As my post said I was told I had high blood sugar. Well I have been eliminating all sugar from my diet for about three weeks. Lost 10 lbs. I just got a blood sugar tester and it is 57!!!! @ 9Pm at night. I will check it in the morning fasting. have I over done it?? Should I start eating? I guess I will see the Dr asap.
Thanks
As my post said I was told I had high blood sugar. Well I have been eliminating all sugar from my diet for about three weeks. Lost 10 lbs. I just got a blood sugar tester and it is 57!!!! @ 9Pm at night. I will check it in the morning fasting. have I over done it?? Should I start eating? I guess I will see the Dr asap.
Thanks
"I just got a blood sugar tester and it is 57!!!! @ 9Pm at night."
These can affect test results:
Does your meter calibrate to test strips?
Was the test area cleaned with an alcohol swab or with soap and water prior to testing?
Name/brand of meter?
Test at bedtime then first thing in morning [fasting].
These can affect test results:
Does your meter calibrate to test strips?
Was the test area cleaned with an alcohol swab or with soap and water prior to testing?
Name/brand of meter?
Test at bedtime then first thing in morning [fasting].
Yes to all your questions. I got the latest FreeStyle [Freedom Lite]
I just took it this morning after 12 hour fasting and it is 102. That is sure better than the 124 I was when the DR told me I was pre diabetic. My A1C was holding at 6.0 so I am hoping if this stays low today after eating I might beat this thing.
I am just beginning this testing thing. When is the best time to check it? As I said I am not diabetic so I don't want to go nuts on checking it. I thing the Dr said once a day.
Thanks so much
I just took it this morning after 12 hour fasting and it is 102. That is sure better than the 124 I was when the DR told me I was pre diabetic. My A1C was holding at 6.0 so I am hoping if this stays low today after eating I might beat this thing.
I am just beginning this testing thing. When is the best time to check it? As I said I am not diabetic so I don't want to go nuts on checking it. I thing the Dr said once a day.
Thanks so much
My A1C was holding at 6.0 so I am hoping if this stays low today after eating I might beat this thing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I meant I hope the daily blood test stay good. I will go to the DR in a month for another A1C
Are U in the US?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I meant I hope the daily blood test stay good. I will go to the DR in a month for another A1C
Are U in the US?
"When is the best time to check it? As I said I am not diabetic so I don't want to go nuts on checking it."
Fasting 102 mg/dl is considered prediabetes but just a tad bit above normal.
Until you reign in the reason for your elevated blood sugars one should test at the following times:
Fasting - first thing in morning b4 eating or drinking colored liquids. Plain water is OK. Provides an insight whether your liver is dumping excess glycogen.
Preprandial - B4 meals. This provides an baseline measurement to compare against postprandial. You want to be at normal levels - 60/70 to 99 mg/dl.
Postprandial - 2-3 hrs after a meal. Compare against preprandial. If your blood sugars are elevated the foods you ate are the problem source.
Bedtime - Do not eat or drink colored liquids 2-3 hrs b4 bedtime. You do not want to go to sleep with high levels. If you do it means you are spending 1/3 of your day with above normal levels.
As time progresses you will get better control and learn how to manage your blood sugars. Testing will decrease, some eliminated altogether.
An A1c of 6% equates to a daily blood sugar level of 125 mg/dl, prediabetes. Diabetes starts at 6.01% or 126 mg/dl. Because of age factors doctors may allow up to 5.7 and even 6%. Discuss values when you see him next. My doc allows email for updates and basic questions - eliminates doctors office payments.
Did you know you can purchase an A1c test meter OTC?
Fasting 102 mg/dl is considered prediabetes but just a tad bit above normal.
Until you reign in the reason for your elevated blood sugars one should test at the following times:
Fasting - first thing in morning b4 eating or drinking colored liquids. Plain water is OK. Provides an insight whether your liver is dumping excess glycogen.
Preprandial - B4 meals. This provides an baseline measurement to compare against postprandial. You want to be at normal levels - 60/70 to 99 mg/dl.
Postprandial - 2-3 hrs after a meal. Compare against preprandial. If your blood sugars are elevated the foods you ate are the problem source.
Bedtime - Do not eat or drink colored liquids 2-3 hrs b4 bedtime. You do not want to go to sleep with high levels. If you do it means you are spending 1/3 of your day with above normal levels.
As time progresses you will get better control and learn how to manage your blood sugars. Testing will decrease, some eliminated altogether.
An A1c of 6% equates to a daily blood sugar level of 125 mg/dl, prediabetes. Diabetes starts at 6.01% or 126 mg/dl. Because of age factors doctors may allow up to 5.7 and even 6%. Discuss values when you see him next. My doc allows email for updates and basic questions - eliminates doctors office payments.
Did you know you can purchase an A1c test meter OTC?
As always, WR has provided you excellent advice.
I wouldn't worry about getting an A1C meter for home use at this point. Mainly because you're so new to this as it is, and you're finding your way through the home testing and nutritional management. Adding home A1C testinfg may just be too much, plus it isn't really necessary Getting your A1C checked through your doctor once a year, or every 6 months or so is sufficient, IMO.
Always make sure you're following your doctor's recommendations for testing at home too. WR gave you a super explanation of when to test and why, but your doc may have slightly different instructions for you. You may not need to be testing quite so much presently.
Finally, be careful with the nutritional restrictions. The last thing you want to do is overdo it by restricting SO much that you end up becoming hypoglycemic. Pay close attention to how WR explains the difference between the various kinds of sugars and carbs.
You're numbers aren't all that alarming to indicate an overly aggressive approach at this point. There IS such a thing as overkill. Just be sure you are communicating your concerns and questions with your doctor. If the dietary stuff is a bit confusing, you can always ask your doc for a referral to a nutritionist who can sit down and help you devise healthy eating habits, and better educate you about the "dos" and "don'ts" when it comes to diabetic dietary considerations.
Like WR suggested, find out if e-mail is an acceptable way to communicate with your doc. That can be very helpful, as the doc can answer at his leisure, and you can always go back and refer to the info, instead of trying to remember what he said.
You're definitely on the right track...keep up the great work!!
I wouldn't worry about getting an A1C meter for home use at this point. Mainly because you're so new to this as it is, and you're finding your way through the home testing and nutritional management. Adding home A1C testinfg may just be too much, plus it isn't really necessary Getting your A1C checked through your doctor once a year, or every 6 months or so is sufficient, IMO.
Always make sure you're following your doctor's recommendations for testing at home too. WR gave you a super explanation of when to test and why, but your doc may have slightly different instructions for you. You may not need to be testing quite so much presently.
Finally, be careful with the nutritional restrictions. The last thing you want to do is overdo it by restricting SO much that you end up becoming hypoglycemic. Pay close attention to how WR explains the difference between the various kinds of sugars and carbs.
You're numbers aren't all that alarming to indicate an overly aggressive approach at this point. There IS such a thing as overkill. Just be sure you are communicating your concerns and questions with your doctor. If the dietary stuff is a bit confusing, you can always ask your doc for a referral to a nutritionist who can sit down and help you devise healthy eating habits, and better educate you about the "dos" and "don'ts" when it comes to diabetic dietary considerations.
Like WR suggested, find out if e-mail is an acceptable way to communicate with your doc. That can be very helpful, as the doc can answer at his leisure, and you can always go back and refer to the info, instead of trying to remember what he said.
You're definitely on the right track...keep up the great work!!
finally, be careful with the nutritional restrictions. The last thing you want to do is overdo it by restricting SO much that you end up becoming hypoglycemic
=======================================================
This is what I am worried about. I have eliminated ALL sugar and most CARBS. I believe I have over done it. I eat lunch [sandwich, couple chips] then took my blood 2 hours latter. It read 116 at 1pm. I have to get to the DR He isn't concerned that much I think I might be running this thing to much.
Anyway it at 3pm had another sandwich and treated myself to a few fries. I am going to see what it reads after 2 hours. Is this what I should be doing? I am curious and want to see what my body is doing.
Hey, thanks for the help
=======================================================
This is what I am worried about. I have eliminated ALL sugar and most CARBS. I believe I have over done it. I eat lunch [sandwich, couple chips] then took my blood 2 hours latter. It read 116 at 1pm. I have to get to the DR He isn't concerned that much I think I might be running this thing to much.
Anyway it at 3pm had another sandwich and treated myself to a few fries. I am going to see what it reads after 2 hours. Is this what I should be doing? I am curious and want to see what my body is doing.
Hey, thanks for the help
Definitely need to discuss all of this with your doc. He'll tell you how aggressive he thinks you should be. Like I said, your values aren't HORRIBLY worrisome to begin with. I think you just went a bit overboard with the diet.
You do not need to be checking it 2 hours after each meal. Typically, a diabetic will test 4 times a day. First thing in the morning for the fasting, before each meal, and at bedtime. Your doc may be interested in the postprandial values (2 hours after), but it is not necessary to do it after EACH meal.
This is why you need guidance from the doc, instead of trying to navigate this yourself.
All that being said...the one time you DO want to check your sugar, regardless of what time of the day it is...is if you start feeling funny...sweaty, out of it, lightheaded. Ask your doc to dicsuss with you ways to handle hypoglycemia if it occurs (low sugar, usually below 60, but everyone is different as to at what level they get symptomatic).
Typically, if you're symptomatic and find your sugar is low, you should take a glucose tablet (or something high in sugar), then follow up with something a bit heartier (like a sandwich, to keep the sugar up). That's just very very basic info. Again, another thing to discuss with your doc. Start making a list of your questions and concerns.
It will be okay...it's a LOT of info to digest all at once. It's overwhelming.
You do not need to be checking it 2 hours after each meal. Typically, a diabetic will test 4 times a day. First thing in the morning for the fasting, before each meal, and at bedtime. Your doc may be interested in the postprandial values (2 hours after), but it is not necessary to do it after EACH meal.
This is why you need guidance from the doc, instead of trying to navigate this yourself.
All that being said...the one time you DO want to check your sugar, regardless of what time of the day it is...is if you start feeling funny...sweaty, out of it, lightheaded. Ask your doc to dicsuss with you ways to handle hypoglycemia if it occurs (low sugar, usually below 60, but everyone is different as to at what level they get symptomatic).
Typically, if you're symptomatic and find your sugar is low, you should take a glucose tablet (or something high in sugar), then follow up with something a bit heartier (like a sandwich, to keep the sugar up). That's just very very basic info. Again, another thing to discuss with your doc. Start making a list of your questions and concerns.
It will be okay...it's a LOT of info to digest all at once. It's overwhelming.
I have to disagree with nursegirl. Until you get your nutrition plan down you do need to test after each meal. How else are you going to know about foods you eat and how they affect your levels? This takes time and doesn't happen overnight. If you need assistance ask to be referred to a dietician or nutritionist. At least use the nutrition data link I posted earlier.
If your preprandial was at normal levels b4 you ate the sandwich it's the bread and/or whatever you put in that sandwich which elevated your levels. Did you carefully read the nutrition labels?
Take your time and follow the guidelines for preventing diabetes. Go here and read about it. You can also listen to the audio text as you do something else. http://tinyurl.com/diabetes-prevention-audio
btw, french fries are not considered a treat. The starch in potatoes quickly turns into sugar.
If your preprandial was at normal levels b4 you ate the sandwich it's the bread and/or whatever you put in that sandwich which elevated your levels. Did you carefully read the nutrition labels?
Take your time and follow the guidelines for preventing diabetes. Go here and read about it. You can also listen to the audio text as you do something else. http://tinyurl.com/diabetes-prevention-audio
btw, french fries are not considered a treat. The starch in potatoes quickly turns into sugar.
Point is, WR, I think he should be letting his DOCTOR guide him on home testing, etc. I didn't tell him NOT to test after meals, I suggested he clarify with his doctor and said I didn't think he should be testing after each and every meal.
You've given him some awesome info, but he's overwhelmed, and frankly, I think going a bit overboard. He went from his prior diet to cutting out EVERY sugar. Then, to recommend a home A1C meter was making me nervous. I didn't want to see him even MORE confused, and for a newly diagnosed patient, I just think that's overkill.
I think he needs to find out exactly how frequently and when the doc is wanting him to test, and if needed, he can ask for a dietary consult to help him start navigating the nutritional aspect. Of course I'm sure he knows french fires are probably not a great "treat", but you HAVE to be a little reasonable here, this is real life, Wave. If a person deprives themself of every food they crave, instead of two french fries, they'll end up eating 3 happy meals, ya know? I'm, SURE you realize that! Not everyone is as structured as you, wish we were, lol! I like to give advice that is factual, but also reasonable, and it is not reaonsable to think a person is going to give up all of their favorite foods, forever.
Bottom line...we're not his doctors. He needs the input of his at this point I think, to be able to proceed knowing he's follwing the plan the doc wants him too.
You've given him some awesome info, but he's overwhelmed, and frankly, I think going a bit overboard. He went from his prior diet to cutting out EVERY sugar. Then, to recommend a home A1C meter was making me nervous. I didn't want to see him even MORE confused, and for a newly diagnosed patient, I just think that's overkill.
I think he needs to find out exactly how frequently and when the doc is wanting him to test, and if needed, he can ask for a dietary consult to help him start navigating the nutritional aspect. Of course I'm sure he knows french fires are probably not a great "treat", but you HAVE to be a little reasonable here, this is real life, Wave. If a person deprives themself of every food they crave, instead of two french fries, they'll end up eating 3 happy meals, ya know? I'm, SURE you realize that! Not everyone is as structured as you, wish we were, lol! I like to give advice that is factual, but also reasonable, and it is not reaonsable to think a person is going to give up all of their favorite foods, forever.
Bottom line...we're not his doctors. He needs the input of his at this point I think, to be able to proceed knowing he's follwing the plan the doc wants him too.
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 $$ by doing it that way. On the script it said test once a day fasting and once a day free standing blood sugar [what ever that is].
I gave the numbers yesterday so just for info after eating kind of normal yesterday my fasting this morning was 104.
Looking back on all this because of a move and some unhappiness we were eating to many sweets. Ice cream pies,chips etc. Teh only unexplained thing is I seem to have Np a little. Maybe nerves I don't like having anything wrong. To many years of perfect health. I guess @ 70 I better get use to it.
Thanks again
I called my Doc and the office ordered the tester and the strips etc. save me some $$ 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
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?
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?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Diabetes Prevention & Pre-Diabetes Community
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.
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.