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Diabetes - Adult Type II  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Test BS even if not diagnosed?
Answered by
Anita Ramsetty, MD - GeneralEndocrinology, Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Thyroid Disorders, AdrenalInsufficiency, CF-Related Diabetes
Endocrine Care Group
Questions in the Adult Type II Diabetes forum are answered by Dr. Anita Ramsetty. Topics covered include Type 2 Diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, diabetes and heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia, diabetes and pregnancy, diabetes and vision problems, diabetes and wound healing, diabetic complications, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin.

Test BS even if not diagnosed?

by curious1082, Jun 18, 2008 02:46PM
My dad's mother was diagnosed Type 2 shortly before she passed away several years ago, then my uncle (blood relative (also passed away), and my dad just about 4 years ago after suffering a heart attack. (Grandma passed away from general organ failure - I'm pretty sure it wasn't a diabetes related death and my uncle had been a bed-ridden patient for nearly 20 years and obese).  I've got a sneaky suspicion that I will one day be Type 2, but should I monitor my own blood sugar?

I'm generally in good health, BMI about 23, and I'm trying to exercise more, about 20 mins each day.  Something is better than nothing!  I did get a bunch of blood work done after dad had his bypass, but the Dr. said everything was fine.  I do fit some of the symptoms, the tiredness - esp. after sugar/carbs - crankiness when I don't eat and then extreme tiredness when I pass hunger.  Going to the bath room / drinking, well, I am trying to drink more liquids, mostly water, so I don't think its because I'm thirsty.  

by Anita Ramsetty, MD, Jun 18, 2008 10:58PM
Hi,
You do have a higher risk give your family history but you are doing some very good things to start heading this off at the pass--you are slender, trying to exercise and hopefully eating a healthy diet. Not smoking is also a good idea.

Your symptoms may not have anything to do with diabetes but the best way to find out is to have a 2-hour glucose challenge test done. This will not only tell you if you have diabetes but also milder forms of glucose handling problems like Impaired Glucose Tolerance (which is also associated with diabetes later in life).

In the meantime try to increase your exercise to 30-45 minutes five times a week of at least a brisk walk.  Cutting sweets is always a good idea, as well as saturated fats. You do not need to restrict carbohydrates, just be sure to have a balanced diet with lots of fiber, veggies and fruit.

Hope this helps. Take care.

Member Comments (2)

by Anita Ramsetty, MD, Jun 18, 2008 10:59PM
Also, in regard to your blood sugar testing--if you wish to do so, you can purchase a simple meter from the drug store and start checking in the morning before eating and definitely when you have any symptoms that concern you(shakiness, drowsiness).  The best way to know for sure is to simply check!
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