am i diabetic now?

[luvloveluv]

before i got pregnant, my doctor had me tested for diabeties because i wanted it. i was 240 when i tested, my test came back 127, but he didn't tell me to fast or anything, so i just went right in after my appointment with him. well, i had another one done, i was 215 when i got this test, and that one i was given the sugary drink, and waited for 2 hours before the blood draw, i didn't get the results of that testing. i miscarried at 23 weeks in april, and since then, i've had this sugar spike. i don't know if it was out of depression that i was consuming all that sugar, because when i was pregnant, i rarely, if at all had myself some chocolate or something sweet maybe once a week. i did not want to become a diabetic while pregnant or even have GD. (note: these tests were at least 8-9 months apart)

so question, since i had that odd sugar spike, does that mean i've jumped ships and have diabeties now?

[gracefromHHP]

if you have a new doctor, discussing this all with them and getting a fasting blood glucose done is a step in the right direction don't  you think?  

grace

[Barb135]

Forgot to  mention - along with testing your own blood sugar levels, you should probably get an A1c done periodically.  Full blown diabetes can be prevented by watching what you eat, and for many of us losing weight.

[Barb135]

You are right, your glucose levels change throughout the day, as you take in/use food.  Eating will make your sugar level rise, exercise will usually cause it lower.  Prediabetes is like insulin resistance; your body makes insulin, but doesn't use it properly.  

You should try to eat foods that are low glycemic, in other words they don't make your blood sugar spike; they break down slower, so keep your blood sugar at steady levels.  These foods include high quality, lean protein, and lots of complex carbs, which come from whole grains, veggies, some fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.  

You should eliminate, from your diet, any foods made with white/refined sugar or flour, as well as white rice.  Stick with natural sweeteners, such as Stevia or agave nectar, whole grain breads, pastas and brown rice.

Many doctors recommend testing blood sugar daily (upon arising in the morning, which would be fasting), so you can get a feel for what your levels are.  If you have everything under control, you could test less often (maybe 2-3 times/week).  As I said, Yes, levels do change throughout the day, depending on what/how much you are eating. A candy bar, full of fat and sugar is going to raise your blood sugar very quickly, then many people (me) crash; while a cupful of raw veggies will take longer to break down, so probably wouldn't raise your blood sugar much at all.

[luvloveluv]

my doctor at the time said i was prediabetic, since i'm guessing it was higher than normal, but like i said, he didn't tell me to fast before taking the test, i just went in right after the appointment. the first test was done back in May-June 2010, the second one was when i was pregnant, taken in Feb 2011. i didn't get to discuss the test results with him because at my March appointment, he was doing an ultrasound on me, so all he said was my results came back 'normal'.

how often should i check my blood should i get a glucometer? just in the morning or throughout the day as i hear your levels change?

@GracefromHHP:
i'm no longer with that doctor due to his lack of communication. i have a new doctor, but she doesn't have my full medical files to peek at to know either since i just changed doctors this month.

[Barb135]

I'm confused (some would ask "what else is new?"....... LOL).......

How long ago did you have these tests?

When you had the first test, you weighed 240 lbs and the test came back at 127?  When you  had the next test, you weighed 215 lbs?  You didn't get results of that test?  

I'm not sure why you think you had a "sugar spike"....... 127 on a non fasting blood glucose does not mean you are diabetic.  

Do you keep track of your fasting blood sugars?  You should get an inexpensive glucometer (found at all pharmacies) and check your blood sugar first thing in the morning and record it.  Fasting blood sugar levels should be < 100.  

As Grace suggested, you could also get an A1c test, which will indicate blood sugar levels over the course of the previous 3 months.

[gracefromHHP]

Your concerns are valid but if it wasn't a fasting glucose, you'll need to repeat it.   they also can do a test called a A1C ( sometimes called a Ha1c too ) that gives them an idea of if your glucose levels in general have been high over the last 3 months.

when is the next time you see your regular doctor?

grace

[luvloveluv]

sorry, not specific enough, *240lbs, 215lbs