high sugar readings

[mom2ericha60]

I have my grandmothers glucose meter and since my sugar levels have been over 150 my dr told me to keep check on it. It has been between 160 and 170 at all different times of the day. Should I be concerned as it is that with no sugar eaten. I have been watching it. Gosh, I am craving sweets too, lol...think because I can't eat them! Do you think it warrants a call to the dr? I don't take any meds for my sugar.

[WaveRider]

Great advice above...please follow. If you live in the US, Consumer Reports gave Wal-Mart home glucose test meters [3 of them] high ratings, and they're only around $10 bucks! Read the instruction sheet accompanying the meter carefully, then prior to testing be sure to clean your test area/s. Alcohol swabs is one option. Unclean test area/s do result in abnormal readings.

As mentioned in the above posted comments it does appear your food plan is causing your blood sugars to elevate w-a-y above normal. Here's the testing times:

* Fasting - 1st thing in morning b4 eating or drinking any colored liquids. This will tell you if your liver is dumping excess glycogen in anticipation of your wake-up energy needed.
Normal is 60/70 to 99 mg/dl
Prediabetes is 100 to 125 mg/dl
Diabetes is >126 mg/dl
* Preprandial - B4 a meal to provide a baseline measurement.
Postprandial - 2 to 3 hours after a meal. Compare against preprandial result. Avoid eating those foods or cut way back on portion sizes that jack up your blood sugars.
Normal is normal fasting levels
Diabetics <141 mg/dl, better <121 mg/dl

You can use Google search to fully understand what an A1c test is and why it's used. In a nutshell the A1c is the gold standard to determine diabetes or not. Good luck -

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

to get a better idea, fasting blood sugar to be normal should be in the 80s and definitely less than 100.  If your fasting is greater than 126 you get diagnosed as diabetic.

2 hours after eating blood sugar should be < 120.  If it is greater than 140 it of concern.  

I'd like to know your fasting and 2 hours post eating numbers.

Blood work for an A1C should be done.

Yes, I think you should be concerned and should followup with your doctor.

[nursegirl6572]

For one, you need to make sure you are checking your sugar at the directed times as per your doctor.  There are specific times of the day that would be more pertinent to check your sugar, and likewise, a high reading may not be as alarming if it is at a certain time of the day.  That is why it is important to have a clear plan set up between you and your doc.  

Find out how often your doctor is going to want to see you and how he wants you to check your sugar, then keep a log of those values.  Also, be sure your grandma's machine is accurate.  BGM machines require regular maintenence and calibration to ensure accuracy.  Honestly, it may be better if you got your own, new machine.  They are covered by almost all insurance plans, and if it isn't covered by yours, ask your doctor to obtain one for you.  Then, be sure you read ALL of the instructions very carefully, including the maintenence and calibration tests you must do (they are very easy).  Also, ask your doc about the A1C test.  It is a blood test that gives a picture of your glucose over a period of time, rather than in the moment.  It's very helpful in determining how well (or not) your sugar is controlled.

Based on that result, and your blood glucose levels from home, your doctor may want to discuss possibly starting you on a medication.  The typical first step would be to try an oral hypoglycemic medication (ie Glucotrol, Glucophage), is you can't get your numbers under control with diet/weight management (if weight is an issue).

Let us know how it's going, feel free to ask any questions!

[aml74]

What is your A!C?  That would be what would tell you how concerned you should be with your blood sugar number.  What the doctor is watching whether you need some form of  insulin to keep your sugar to a acceptable level.