Blood Sugar Levels Tuttlingen

Frequently Asked Questions QUESTION: Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels started fluctuating recently between 60 pts and 200 pts per 24 hr. period. My father has had type 2 diabetes for a few years. What’s a good blood sugar level for him to shoot for and sustain. One problem is the fact that his doctor is pretty useless–except that he can prescribe diabetes medication, and dad won’t switch doctors. Finding the right med.s and dosage is too. But this last week dad’s blood suger levels started fluctuating wildly, as low as 30 and as high as 200, he can’t figure out why. His levels have never been lower than 60 nor higher than 140 or so. He has a very good dietary regiment and keeps to it…except on Sun.s he has desert in a fairly moderate amount, but he has always done that and his levels have never been this high, nor have they fluctuated so greatly. I am very concerned and I’d appreciate it greatly if someone experienced in this could clue me into these recent blood sugar fluctuations.What could be going on? Dad’s Dr. appts isn’t for another 4-6 months, as little help as that might be. Thank you so much. ANSWER: Some fluctuation after eating a meal is normal, but your dad’s blood sugar doesn’t seem like it’s done that much in the past. Even so, people’s “normal” levels and ranges can change with time, and that might be happening here. I would give this one more week to see if his insulin levels even out and the fluctuations stop. If it keeps up, call his doctor and move up the appointment. Something like this shouldn’t wait several more months. If his sugar dips to 30 again- take a trip to the ER. A level that low is dangerous. Even if he has recovered quickly before, there’s no guarantee he will every time; he could easily bottom out. As to his doctor- I’ve seen how *not* easy it is to get an older person to change doctors. Try talking to him and see why he’s so adamant about not changing doctors. Also, try calling the office yourself to talk to the doctor (or oneof the office nurses- an invaluable liason/tool sometimes). Tell him your concerns, and see if there’s a reason he’s been treating your father as he has. It could be that he’s afraid of insulting a long time patient, or your dad may have forgotten to tell him everything during his previous visits. If Doc doesn’t seem responsive to your concerns- or your dad’s change in insulin levels- try again (and again, etc) to change doctors. Not doing so could be detrimental to his health. Good luck!~ QUESTION: Blood sugar levels possible diabetes? I’ve been having trouble with my blood sugar for the past few years. I have had levels from as low as 30 to over 200 frequently. Ive been having all the symptoms of diabetes. Im 22, weigh 110, and in good shape. I saw an endocrinologist two years ago and he told me I shouldn’t be concerned. I have a doctors appointment with a new doctor but it’s a few weeks away. Are these numbers bad? Diabetes run in my family. Is it possible that I might be? Anycomments will help. Thanks ANSWER: 30 mg/dL is hypoglycemic, but over 200 mg/dL is firmly in diabetic range. In a doctor’s office, any random reading over 200 mg/dL is diabetic. Yes, that’s a bad number. You absolutely should see your endocrinologist and tell him that you’ve been seeing frequent blood sugar readings over 200 mg/dL on your home meter. That’ll hopefully get his attention. QUESTION: Blood Sugar levels for pregnant women (without diabetes)? Hi, now I am 20 weeks, what should be the Blood Sugar levels (without diabetes)?, Before food and after food. Please advise. Thanks ANSWER: before meals you should be 60-105 and two hours after meals 100-120. QUESTION: What should be blood sugar levels with gestational diabetes? I know the fasting level should be 90 or lower and lower than 140 an hour after meals and lower than 120 two hours after meals, but when I eat my afternoon snack, should my sugar level stay constant? Yesterday, I had a dessert for a snack and checked my sugar anhour later. It was 126. A couple hours later, I ate dinner and checked my levels after an hour and everything was under 140. So I guess the question is do I aim for the same guidelines for my snacks as I do for my meals or lower? ANSWER: i would aim for the same guidelines for snacks as for meals. although your doctor may have a different opinion- i’d be sure to at least ask at your next appt either with your OB or your endocrinologist. it sounds like you’re doing just fine though best of luck! QUESTION: Can blood sugar levels be high without having diabetes? I’ve heard that blood sugar levels don’t go high if you don’t have diabetes. Today I did my blood sugar randomly and it was 6.9. The other day it was 11 I think… Isn’t that high? The right level is in the 5 range isn’t it? I had eaten fatty foods a few hrs before taking it. I’m 21 in a few days and overweight. Practically everyone has diabetes in my family including my mum. ANSWER: QUESTION: Diabetes blood sugar levels? I have afriend with Diabetes type 2, and she has a blood sugar level of 500. Is this normal or is this a concern ANSWER: My husband has type 2 diabetes and had levels that high for a while. His doctor rang him when he saw the results and asked my husband to come to the doctor’s immediately. With medication his levesl are now under control. Here are the main symptoms to look for: Feeling thirsty. Having to urinate more than usual. Feeling more hungry than usual. Losing weight without trying to. Feeling very tired. Here are the more serious ones: lots of infections and cuts and bruises that heal slowly; blurred vision; tingling or numbness in your hands or feet; lots of skin, gum, or bladder infections. QUESTION: Blood Sugar Levels / Diabetes unsure / Comfirmed with Epilepsy? Confirmed with Epilepsy and have recently changed meds due to the side effects. My blood sugars have been weird lately, last but two reading was 3.2 and after a seizure on Thursday had one taken in the ambulance which was9.0 and then about 3/4 quarters of an hour later in hospital which wsa 8.8. These would have been about 4+ hours since my last meal. I have an appointment, week on Tuesday, for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, Insulin Test and Pro Insulin Test. I have also noticed that round about meal times, I can go weird – what I can describe as my auras I get with my Epilepsy. I realise that you are not medical experts and everyone is different, but what is the normal BS range for a non diabetic? Thanks if you can help Andy ANSWER: Your elevated glucose levels could be causes by stress from the seizures. Your 3.2 is on the low for most people. Wonder if you’re hypoglycemic and it’s contributing to your seizures? QUESTION: How to lower blood sugar levels with type II diabetes? My mother is a diabetic and she does her best to control her blood sugar. She used to drink lots of green tea after eating foods high in glucose and it used to lower her blood sugar. Unfortunately, she has just realized thatshe has kidney stones and the doctor told her to stop drinking green tea. Do you know of any other home remedy that she could use? Ps: she does take Gen Glybe ( perscribe medication) for her diabetes. ANSWER: There are several home remedies other than green tea. They are all natural herbs that you can find in specific regions, together with certain vitamins and minerals. -Bitter melon juice -Cinnamon -Gymnema Sylvestre - Banaba Some of the home remedies are very difficult to get, it depends where do you live. For more info check the source below QUESTION: high blood sugar levels diabetes? i had a blood test recently and the nurse told me to see my doctor. said my “blood glucose levels” were 289. how high is that??? i remember a year and a half ago…the numbers were 106 and the doctor at that time said i was “pre-pre diabetic”. the test to determine both was a fasting before the blood test. ANSWER: That’s very high (289). You don’t want your blood sugar to go over 200 at any given time,even right after eating. With a fasting score of 289, your very likely diabetic. Some doctor’s don’t even bother to do a follow up test fasting or non if your over 200. Your doctor is going tell you that your diabetic. It’s not the end of the world and it’s not the end of a normal life either. However, to keep in good health, your going to want to make some lifestyle changes. Your doctor can be quite helpful and point you in the right direction. Diabetics is very manageable. Again, it requires lifestyle changes though, such as first, avoiding sugar and cutting down simple carbs in your diet. Getting regular physical activity. All those things will help lower your blood sugar. Also, your doctor is going to advise you that you monitor your blood sugar daily and may prescribe some medicines to help your sugar levels. Hang in there, you can get control of your blood sugar and led a very happy, productive, and healthy life. QUESTION: A question about the low blood sugar levels happeningwhile taking diabetes medicine? I’m taking the medicine to treat my diabetes type2 as the doctor’s prescription but sometimes having the symptoms of dropped blood sugar and this make me tired, worried … What does it happen and how to overcome? Tks for answering this question. ANSWER: Speak with your doctor. You will probably need to reduce your medication. Eat a low glycemic index diet to help reduce quick highs and lows. See a dietitian or nutritionist for advice. When your sugar is low have some thing like sugary soda to bring it up quickly, but then a banana or fruit to keep it up at a lower speed QUESTION: Is excessive urination when blood sugar levels are low an indication of diabetes? I’m 5’0 and 94 pounds and whenever my blood sugar levels are low, I urinate excessively- about 4-5 times within an hour. Is this a sign of dietary controlled diabetes? Answers are preferred from medical professionals. My urine is often cloudy after I eat. ANSWER: To know blood sugar levels, bloodsugar must be tested with a glucose meter. You’ll then know if you have a blood sugar problem (diabetes). QUESTION: Women who have/had gestational diabetes, did your blood sugar levels spike right before the end? I am 35 wks pregnant and this past week my levels have just been on the rise even after having an insulin increase. I haven’t changed my diet and have increased my activity level and it has done nothing to bring it down. I don’t understand why it’s staying so high. ANSWER: It’s two days after Thanksgiving and your diet didn’t change at all? Wow! I guess they increased your insulin because it was already increasing, so maybe it is related to your pregnancy more than your diet, but I don’t know for sure. Just don’t forget that drinks count too, and so do cough drops and medicines. I hope everything is okay, and your doc gets it all sorted out soon. Good luck! QUESTION: gestational diabetes blood sugar levels…? Ok, so I am 9 weeks pregnant and was tetsed for the gestationaldiabetes, I took the one hour and my levels were 161, so then I was retested with the three hour test, and the doctor called and told me my levels were in the 200s. I have already went through this before and it sucks. But I followed the doctors ordered and honestly watched eveything that I ate or drank. But my levels were still always high. What causes my suagr level to be so high, and how can I lower it? ANSWER: trust me instead of looking at sugar on lables use carbs u should eat about 70 carbs per meal & 20 per snack.. or 300 carbs per day, this should work pretty well includeing drinks try to stay away from pasta bread & rice unles it’s SMALL portion & pops & juices QUESTION: Gestational Diabetes blood sugar levels? I just found out that I have GD and had a nurse visit me for the first time yesterday. She explained to me how to take my blood sugar readings and gave me an example of what to eat and I started testing last night. Well she said that I should also test in the morningbefore I eat and that my fasting blood sugar should be under 95. I tested this morning and it was 97. How bad is that? Do 2 points really make a difference? PLEASE keep in mind that Gestational Diabetes is not the same as Type I and Type II diabetes. ANSWER: QUESTION: why would certain people have a tendency towards high blood sugar and diabetes? i am very active and have a decent weight but i have now a high blood sugar level (or pre-diabetes). is this due primarily to genetics? I have some native american in my background which i know is a high risk group. ANSWER: Yes, certain ethnic groups do have a higher genetic tendancy towards developing type 2 diabetes (such as native americans). QUESTION: Can chemotherapy raise your blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes? I am having chemo for colon cancer and my sugar levels are really high (almost 20 at night and around 10 in the morning) regardless of what I eat. ANSWER: Yes. Also, the stress from any illness, including cancer ofcourse, can cause BG levels to skyrocket. You need to work with your doctors and/or diabetes care team to find a way to try and manage your blood sugars through this difficult time. You will need to adjust your oral medication/start medication, and may need insulin if you are not already on it. If you are on insulin, you will need to learn how to increase your dose when needed. Please ask your diabetes care team about finding out the right dosage adjustments you will need. QUESTION: A question about low blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes? I have been suffering for anxiety lately and as result, my blood sugar level dropped from 6.5 millimols per litre to just 1.1 today. I don’t understand why this happens when I worry a lot? ANSWER: Because stress will cause your blood sugar to drop. If you ask your doctor they will tell you the same thing. It has to do with the fact that when you are stressed, you blood pressure may go up a bit, as does your heart rate and respiration. Kind of thesame thing as mild activity. The best advice I can give you is to try to relax and not let things stress you out so much. As human beings, we tend to stress about many things that will work out the way they will based just on making common sense choices. So try to relax and go with the flow a lilttle more. There is really nothing else you can do about it, stress WILL cause your blood sugar to drop. I hope this helps. Take care, good luck! QUESTION: Symptoms of diabetes but blood sugar levels when tested seem ok? Okay, so I’m currently with my GP about to visit a specialist about testing for Coeliacs, because I have all the symptoms. Another thing thats bothering me though is that for a while I’ve had diabetes like symptoms, but my blood sugar levels have been tested once in a blood test about two months ago and once last year with a glucuse monitor and they were both apparently fine. I have a constant thirst, I urinate many times during the day, I have freezing cold (unnaturally cold)hands at times, I am generally cold a lot of the time nowadays, but I also feel shaky, particularly when eating, and I also have ‘blackout’ moments a few times a day where everything goes black in front of me and I think I’m going to faint. I’m 13 years old, a BMI of 19.5 and I have a very healthy diet. Why do I when I look up all the symptoms of diabetes on the internet seem to have all the symptoms, but I’ve been tested before and it comes back ok? Please help, thank you! ANSWER: QUESTION: Symptoms of diabetes/weird blood sugar levels, but tests clear? I wonder if anyone can shed any light on my strange problem… Every year at about this time, the same thing happens. I get really intense sugar/carb cravings that nothing seems to subdue; I also get really thirsty and have to go to the loo more often. I usually end up putting on weight – every year for the past 3 years I’ve lost half a stone between summer and winter, but gained it again during the spring because I get SO hungry. What Ieat doesn’t seem to make any difference – I eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruit+veg (almost always get 5 a day) and is generally low in fat and sugar, but not obsessively so – I don’t deny myself treats here and there. I’m 5’6 and 9st 12lb at the moment which is right in the middle of the healthy weight range, but I’ve put on 3lb in the past 2 weeks and I know it’s due to eating a bit too much, but it’s been because I’m really, really hungry, and if I don’t eat something I feel all shaky and dizzy. I’ve tried everything – wholegrain bread, rice, pasta etc to try to release energy slowly; I don’t have much in the way of sweets/chocolate, I eat slowly, drink plenty of water… so I haven’t got a clue why it happens. I also bloat up like a football if I commit the ultimate crime of having anything in the way of potatoes or non-wholegrain carbs – I had a white bagel earlier and now I look like I’m six months pregnant! It goes down again by morning, but it’s really uncomfortableand makes toning up a nightmare as my stomach stretches a good few inches every day – it also makes me reluctant to eat any lunch some days in case it happens and I look pregnant for the rest of the day! Last year as soon as I felt it happening again I went to the doctor because I was sure something must be wrong, and I fitted most of the symptoms of diabetes, but my blood sugar levels came back as totally normal and he couldn’t suggest anything – all he did was tsk at me for putting on a bit of weight – REALLY helpful!! So does anyone have any idea what this could be, and also why it always happens at the same time of year? It does seem strange, but for me it’s a very real problem and if there’s a way I can stamp on it, I’d be very grateful. PS – anyone suggesting acai berries or any other weird supplements gets growled at loudly! ANSWER: I agree with you about the acai berries and colon cleanse scams – they should be severely chastised and REPORTED for a violation of communityguidelines. Now, about your problem – have you ever though about what’s called ‘circadian cycles’? Other things that can cause you to want to eat more is perhaps a lack of sunlight (this is a real medical condition) causing you depression. It’s quite possible that you have your seasons a little mixed up, biologically speaking. Another item of interest might be that you are allergic to one or some of the foods you are eating. You would need to keep a very detailed journal of the foods you ate, how they reacted in your body, any stress or other possible outside factors, then share them with your doctor. This might take a few months to do to establish a direction for them to pursue. QUESTION: Diabetes and blood sugar levels: fasting levels in pre range and random in normal range.? For those who have diabetes or experts in the area of endocrinology: I have to wait until I have health insurance for a blood draw from a vein to confirm or rule out diabetes officially. I have been usingaccuchek to do fasting tests and those have been in the pre-diabetes range. I have done a couple of random tests and they seem to be in the normal range- 126 and 111 consequetively (different days) withint 2 to 5 hours or so of eating. What I can’t figure out is why then is my fasting test result elevated (after at least12 hours) ? I am not on any insulin so the somogyi affect doesn’t apply. I have had increased thirst of late. Might have some other symptoms but have to wait and see if those are temporary. A lot of symptoms I don’t count because some are normal for me so they woud have to be really noticeable or extreme. I haven’t been sleeping well lately either. I figured at first maybe that would go away but it hasn’t. I think my health insurance starts in June sometime. I don’t want to add another pre-existing condition…want this to be covered whatever it turns out to be. ANSWER: get you health insurance girl===something is going on that isn’t right by the look of yourdescription=good luck QUESTION: What is going on with my blood sugar levels? I am 30 weeks pregnant and borderline gestational diabetes. My question is, does anyone ever high a higher 2 hour reading than than 1hour reading after a meal? Today I took my blood at 1 hour and it was 167, then at the 2 hour mark it was 197! Every other time I have taken my levels with my old monitor in the past month, my sugar goes down at the 2 hr, mark. I tested the machine and it says it is OK, but I have had some crazy readings in the few days since I bought it. Could my body change this quickly? Do people with diabetes have blood sugar levels that rise after the first hour? Thanks. ANSWER: Gestational is a little different than other types. The peak is about 90 minutes, but blood sugar is a moving target and meters can vary up to 10% even if you took another reading with the same blood prick. BTW, your readings sound higher than borderline for gestational, and this is not something to take a wait andsee attitude with. I suggest you get in with your provider and review your plan very soon. QUESTION: Blood sugar levels for gestational diabetes? I am 38 weeks and have gestational diabetes. I know I’m almost done but I’m struggling with my blood sugar levels recently. I was told that I need to keep my blood sugar levels below 120 but I feel like I’m starving to death on the diet they put me on! I’ve been so hungry lately that I’m eating more than the diet says to eat. I just tested my sugar and it was 150. I was so frustrated that I tried looking up blood sugar levels online and all I could find were numbers like <140 or <180 for a normal person. If this is true then why do my blood sugar levels have to be <120????? They also told me after my 3 hour sugar test that I just barely qualified as diabetic. I'm worried about my baby being too big or having some other problems, but I've hardly gained any weight at all since I've been on this diet. ANSWER: Oh honey I hear ya! I hate GD, Ifeel like I am permanently starving to death and I just want to eat!!! But I’m good and I stick to my diet and still have trouble keeping my levels down. With my last baby I had GD and I stuck to the diet and exercise plan, I only gained 2kgs (approx 4lbs) and my levels still remained high. I had to go on insulin and when I reached 37 weeks the Dr started planning to induce me as I was just unable to control my levels. Thankfully my son was born at 38 weeks with no induction. He weighed an average 7lbs and had no problems, thank god. Currently with this pregnancy I have GD again and am starving all the time. It really drives me mental. I am on insulin again and although my levels seem to have calmed down, its the insulin keeping them like that. I’ll be 37 weeks on Tuesday and am praying this little man comes soon so I can eat and actually feel full. And I’m the same as you, my levels were off by only one point on my test but it still makes me have GD. I know its really hard (well it isfor me) but you HAVE to stick to the diet and meal plan they gave you. Just remind yourself your doing all this for your baby. And it should all be over soon and then you can eat what you like, when you like and how much you like. Sticking to the diet/meal plan is a small price to pay to ensure the health of our babies. I’m not sure exactly why our levels have to be different from those of other people with GD, but I think it has to do with the fact that our blood sugar levels are not just effecting us but the baby also. Plus all the insulin resistant hormones we have floating around and the fact that the baby is producing more or less insulin to make up for our sugar levels. I really really do know where you are coming from. And it sucks majorly, but we just have to deal with it until our little ones are born. Thank God we are both not far from our due dates, lol. Just keep telling yourself its only for a couple of more weeks, only a couple more weeks. I wish you all the best and hopeyou manage the next couple of weeks. Its hard but we are nearly at the finish line!! QUESTION: If blood sugar levels are in normal range,can you still have diabetes symptoms? Ive been checking on my blood sugar levels because i have a history in my family and because im over weight,i also have been getting these weird symptoms like; fatigue,shaky hands,some mood swings,and my eyes be feeling weird but not blurry nor out of focus they feel like they want to sink in,but i have been checking my sugar for the past week and its always in normal range,can someone give me good advise? ANSWER: Normal range blood sugar will vary throughout the day based on what you have eaten, how much physical activity you have gotten and how long it has been since you have eaten. On an empty stomach, blood sugar levels should be between 70 and 100mg/dL for a non-diabetic. However, you still not considered a diabetic until blood sugar levels following an overnight fasting are above 126mg/dL. Let’s say thatyour blood sugar level on an empty stomach or after an overnight fast is around 115mg/dL. You may assume that you have diabetes – since it is above the high range or “normal” – but you do not. Rather you have what called pre-diabetes or IFG (impaired fasting glucose) and sometimes known as IGT (impaired glucose tolerance). QUESTION: If you have diabetes mellitus what hormone injection do you receive to lower blood sugar levels? This is bio 30, the subject ate a meal prior to this and then received an injection that made blood sugar levels rise. Is it insulin or glycogen? I’m not sure … Please help ANSWER: The answer to the question if it RAISED blood sugar levels it’s GLUCAGON… Which stimulates glycoGENolysis :-)…. Insulin, blood sugar drops because it’s going into cells Glucagon, blood sugar increases Glycogen, storage form of glucose in hepatocytes, muscle and some small pockets in kidneys and intestines. Hope this helps QUESTION: I need to know how my heart murmur is affecting mydiabetes 2 blood sugar level when I am under stress.? I monitor my blood sugar regularly through out the day, fasting, before & after meals and at bedtime. On normal days my readings are normal but whenever I am stressed emotionally or physically I see significantly higher blood sugar levels than normal. I exercise regulary and watch my diet; I am keeping a journal of what I eat, my readings and how my day has gone. I am seeing a pattern of increased blood sugar levels on the occasions I feel extreme stress and I am aware at these times that my heart is responding with “fight or flight” symtoms. I would really like some help and insight with this and what types of things I can do to help myself. Thank you, ANSWER: Elevated blood sugar levels are perfectly normal when the body is under any type of stress. Mine goes up every time I get sick or stressed out. The more you exercise, the lower the spikes will become. Get the book I recommend on my diabetes info webpage. It will help youunderstand the disease better and how to treat it more effectively. Plus, there’s all kinds of useful info there: QUESTION: pregnant, normal blood sugar levels after eating? just wondering, do people without diabetes blood sugar levels spike like up to 7.2 after dinner. I have never noticed this before, and have been keeping an eye on my blood sugar levels over the past week or so, and they seem to be 5.8 – 2 hours after eating, and just then i checked and they are 7.2, just after i finished eating, I dont have diabetes that i know of, and im 25weeks 6 days pregnant, couldnt this be the onset of gestational diabetes? ANSWER: QUESTION: Does having high blood sugar levels necessarily mean you have diabetes? HELP!?!?!? My 65 year old Dad just told me that his doctor informed him that he has high blood sugar levels and may have diabetes. I am so worried that this is true. I am not that familiar with blood sugar levels, so how would you know? They are going to do another test to be sure.Does anyone know if there is a chance that he doesnt have diabetes, or maybe just pre-diabetes? I know that having diabetes can be potentially life-threatning at times, so I am so worried for him as I love him so much and want him around to see his grand-daughter grow up. I lost my mom a few years ago and i want to do whatever I can to keep my dad healthy. Is there any way to get rid of diabetes once you get it? How do you treat it? What can I do to help him? Please help, I am so worried I cant function right now… ANSWER: 1. If he has high blood sugar levels after not eating for 2 hours then he probably has diabetes. 2. You can never get rid of diabetes 3. Injections if type 1 but if he’s 65 then it will be type 2 so it could be injections but probably tablets or diet. 4 Comfort him although if he controls it well it isn’t life threatening QUESTION: checking blood sugar levels..(with gastational diabetes)? i m almost 35 weeks preg and diagnosed with gastational diabetes… i m checkingmy blood sugar every day after meals… usually fasting sugar comes up to be around low 70s..which i know is fine…but after meals i check after 1 hour and it comes in 120s range…i just want to know if that is too high…my dr told me that my sugar should be less than 120 so i m just a lil worried..as far as my diet, i m not eating anything sweet..only fruits and vege….and i usually eat 2 chapati, roti or bread… so just wondering if my sugar is normal and if i m really suppose to check after 1 hour of meals… ANSWER: TALK TO THE DIETICAN… QUESTION: If pancreas removed what will happen to blood sugar level and diabetes conditions? please explain with glucagon and insulin secreation What can we do to save patient from diabetes. ANSWER: Well if you have your pancreas removed you wouldnt be producing any insulin so you would have to take insulin shots or be put on an insulin pump. Without either one, high blood sugar levels in your body will destroy your body and eventually kill you. QUESTION:Type 2 Diabetes: Blood sugar level reducing from above 300 to 150 – 180 range? Over the last 2 years I have been losing weight, almost 25 pounds, my waist reduced by almost 2 inches, and during this period started feeling very tired during all day. Finally I visited my family primary care physician in Oct 2010. After lab test I realized that I had type 2 diabetes condition, with my blood sugar levels about 286 ( after lunch). Primary care physician referred me to a endocronologist, who wanted to put me on insulin ( a dose of 16 ) straight away. I did not like the idea. My reason was that, now that I know the cause of what is going wrong in my body, I need to give myself a chance to do all that is possible to redress the situation for a couple of months, and at that stage re-assess and take the decesion to get on to insulin. It has been two weeks since I started making changes to my life style like switching to low glycemic foods ( of below 40 ), and exercising on a daily basis at amedium level, and checking my blood sugar using ONE touch Ultra2 on a daily basis ( at least 8 to 10 times) to understand the increase and decrease in blood sugar levels in response to my eating times, excercise, stress etc. The other big change I have brought about is to give up battles in my mind which I dont need to fight, out of all the changes this has proved to be tough and is still proving to be tough. To my surprise and happiness, Im seeing my blood sugar levels dropping as a result of my above efforts. During the course of my monitoring I realized that there is a upper cap of my blood sugar in 320s and lower cap in early 200s. This was before 2 weeks. Since the time I have been eating low glycemic breakfast lunch dinner, lots of water, excercise at least once a day ( 40 minute brisk walk), my blood sugar levels have gone down to a range of 114 to 197. Since the last 4 days there has been only once instance when my blood sugar went above 200. My early morning reading i.e.fasting reading is still high it is averaging about 130 – 140 over the last 10 days, my after meal reading is average between 155-175. 3. questions: 1. What should I do to reduce my early morning i.e. on fast without food or water reading ? I want to bring it down to around 75 to 85. 2. I have reduced carbs which has helped a lot, and switched to salads and meat. But body also needs carbs. What are the best sources of carbs in my context? 3. I have observed that even though my blood sugar is less than 140 ( which is the standard for after meal) or in specific between 120 and 140, I feel some level of dizziness, and also some head ache early in the morning. Is this because of the reason that my blood sugar levels are coming back to normal after a long time i.e. I might have been in the 200s and early 300s for a long time, and over the last couple of weeks due to changes made to food and excercise it is being in the range of 130s – 180s ?? Is my body in the process of getting adjusted tothe new relatively low blood sugar levels ? What are the symptoms we should expect when blood sugars are coming down to relatively low level from higher levels? Thanks in advance. OTN Just want to add that my urine still smells sweet and is yellow in color. At what stage can I expect this to reduce. Note that when my blood sugar level is less than 150, the sweet smell in the urine goes down and the urine color is also light. My early morning fasting reading is the issue here. It is averaging around 150 to 160 over the last 2 weeks i.e. since I started taking low glycemic foods, excercise daily. Im quite sure it must have been much higher earlier. I want to tackle this area first, please suggest. What and when should I be eating the evening before to get my early morning readings to around 120 which is my first goal, before trying for 90. Im not on any medication. My readings during the day i.e. after breakfast, lunch, dinner currently are 150 to 160 before , and 2 hours later theysettle at the same i.e.150-160 or go a little lower into 140s. It is obvious that I should be tackling my early morning readings first. ANSWER: You seem to be on the right track.. But you never mentioned if you are taking Metformin. Here’s the Key: There are 4 key steps to controlling glucose levels : 1) EXERCISE- Walking is fine but Nordic Walking is Great. Exercise also lowers Glucose levels , lowers Cholesterol and lowers Blood Pressure. Google it.Exercise is Non-Negotiable !!!Thats why it is Number 1 on the list. 2) Knowledge- This is a great site for info diet- A low carb diet is in order. I can’t count carbs so I use Mendosa’s Glycemic Index Diet. Great for the whole family. 3) Meds. Metformin to start. Never , ever take Actos or Avandia. They may kill you. Bone fractures, heart problems and what diabetics really don’t need is that they change Bone Stem Cells to Fat Cells. 4) Diet- A low carb diet is in order. I can’t count carbs so I use Mendosa’s Glycemic Index Diet. Great forthe whole family. My fasting is 96 and HBA1C is 5.2. There are no miracles, just attitude and dedication. If you have depression , treat it . Because when depressed you don’t take care of yourself properly. Take care TIN QUESTION: question for our american friends, in diabetes how do you measure blood sugar levels.? in england we measure in mmoles and normal level is about 6-7 mmoles, what is yours. i heard the other day normal was about 106, whatever that is, in england that would mean the person is dead, 20 is high, so what is normal in america. thanks. ANSWER: Americans measure it in milligrams per deciLiter (mg/dL). The normal is anywhere from about 70-110 mg/dL. To convert, take mmol # and multiply it by 18 to get the mg/dL equivalent, OR take the mg/dL number and divide it by 18 to get the mmol equivalent QUESTION: Diabetes – blood sugar going from hypo to hyper? I was diagnosed with diabetes on Monday and have just started taking glyclazide. Today is a bit wierd, in the hour myblood sugar level has gone from 3.7 to 9.9 (before eating to after eating). I feel a bit wierd and shakey, are these normal levels? ANSWER: A BGL of 3.7 is considered hypoglycaemia, explaining the feelings of being unwell and shakey. You should treat a hypo with something like 5-7 jelly beans (that’s what I use) in order to bring the glucose back up to normal. You have probably experienced a re-bound effect of having a low BGL and then your body compensating for this by dumping glucose into the bloodstream. Also, you had something to eat, so naturally the BGL would rise. However, a glucose of 9.9mmol/L 1 hour after eating is pretty good. Usually if the BGL is <10mmol/L 2 hours after eating, it's considered normal. You may need to contact your doctor though, as your medicaiton dose may need adjusting. It takes some time to fine tune doses, and you have only recently been diagnosed, so expect a lot of consultation with you diabetes team! Good luck! QUESTION: What can my dad do to lowerhis blood sugar (mild case diabetes)? My dad has a level of I think 6.0 of blood sugar levels, when the normal is less than 5.7. So he has been said to have “pre diabetes” so he’s almost gonna get there if he doesn’t stop his eating habits. My dad drinks a ton of lipton iced teas (and those have a ton of sugar), and a ton of sugary snacks that he just keeps in his car. What are some foods to help bring his blood sugar level back to normal? and what else can he do? ANSWER: There are no foods that lower blood sugar. The best way to avoid blood sugar highs is to avoid raising blood sugar in the first place. The foods that raise blood sugar the most are carbohydrates. All carbohydrates. Diabetes is not just about sugar. Diabetes is an inability to metabolize carbohydrate. So the first line of action is to restrict carbohydrates. The sugary drinks and snacks will have to go. Replace them with low-carb substitutes. Also I’d like to point out there is no such thing as a mild case of diabetes.What’s happening now is that your dad still has enough beta cells left in his pancreas producing insulin that lowers blood sugar. The more carb he eats, the more work those beta cells have to do to metabolize the carb, and the quicker they are going to burn out and die. Once they die they never ever come back to life. A low carbohydrate diet will go a long way in preserving what beta cell function he has left. QUESTION: diabetes and blood sugar level can you help? Is a 3.2 blood sugar level dangerously low. Even after having breakfast of museli and orange juice. ANSWER: check with the diabetic clinc you might need to lower you meds QUESTION: How does blood sugar affect mood (diabetes)? I was recently diagnosed within Type 2 diabetes. There are also a number of personal challenges going on my life at the time (unemployment, family, etc.). I’ve been getting depressed at times, and would like to know if blood sugar levels can affect mood – are they related? ANSWER: Yes. Depression is apart of diabetes Depression is not generally listed as a complication of diabetes. However, it can be one of the most common and dangerous complications. The rate of depression in diabetics is much higher than in the general population. Diabetics with major depression have a very high rate of recurrent depressive episodes within the following five years. (Lustman et al 1977) A depressed person may not have the energy or motivation to maintain good diabetic management. Depression is frequently associated with unhealthy appetite changes. The suicidal diabetic adolescent has constant access to potentially lethal doses of insulin. At this point in time, it is well accepted that psychological factors and psychiatric conditions can affect the course of medical illnesses. There is some suggestion that the stress of depression itself may lead to hyperglycemia in diabetics. The interaction between cardiovascular disorders (such as heart attack and high blood pressure) and depression has beenextensively studied. Anxiety and depression can also affect other conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, headache and skin diseases. Treatment of anxiety and depression may lead to a better medical prognosis and well as a better quality of life. For over three hundred years, physicians have suspected an interaction between the emotions and the course of diabetes mellitus. Studies have examined whether stressful events or psychiatric illness might precipitate either Type I (insulin-dependent) or Type II (Non-insulin dependent) diabetes. So far, study results are not conclusive. Now that we have more accurate methods of measuring glucose control, it has become easier to measure both short-term and long-term effects of emotional factors on blood glucose level. One study found that children judged to have a “Type A” personality structure had an increased blood sugar elevation in response to stress. Children with a calmer disposition had a smaller glucose rise when stressed.(Stabler et al. 1987) A 1997 study suggested that Type I patients with a history of a psychiatric illness might be at increased risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Those patients with a psychiatric history were found to have a higher average glycosylated hemoglobin. (a measure of long term diabetic control) (Cohen et al. 1997) Children whose relatives made more critical comments had significantly poorer glucose control. Interestingly enough, emotional overinvolvement between family members was not correlated with poor diabetic control. (Koenigsberg et al. 1993) Diabetic adolescents had a higher incidence of suicidal ideation than expected. Those with suicidal ideation took poorer care of themselves. Not living in a two-parent home was associated with poorer long-term diabetes control. (Goldston, et al. 1997) Recent studies have suggested that effective treatment of depression can improve diabetic control. In a study by Lustman and colleagues, glucose levels were shown to improveas depression lifted. The better the improvement, the better the diabetic control. (Lustman et al. 1997a) Being diagnosed with diabetes is a major life stress. It requires a large number of physical and mental accommodations. The individual must learn about a complex system of dietary and medical interventions. Lifestyle, work, and school schedules may have to be altered. This can consume a lot of energy for both the individual and his or her family. Just as important, are the psychological adjustments. One must adjust to a new view of oneself. For those who liked to see themselves as invincible, this may be particularly difficult. Many newly diagnosed diabetics go through the typical stages of mourning. These are denial, anger, depression and acceptance. Denial: This can be one of the more dangerous stages of the grief process. It may not occur only once. Many individuals cycle back to this phase several times. The honeymoon phase, associated with early Type I diabetes, may reinforcedenial. Denial is a common stance for adolescent diabetics. Anger: It really does seem unfair. The type II diabetic, trying to lose weight, may envy heavier people who seem to enjoy good health. One might erupt at someone who innocently offers a desert. Unfortunately, anger can drastically affect glucose levels. Depression: Mild depressive feelings are a normal part of grieving and adaptation. As long as they are not pervasive or prolonged, they may not be harmful. However, when the depression lasts a long time, becomes severe or interferes with diabetic management, one should seek prompt treatment. Acceptance: Individuals achieve different degrees of acceptance and inner peace. Some will need to experience the denial, anger and depression several times as they move through different phases of life and different stages of diabetes. Some people move through a chronic disease to a state of much greater self-knowledge. They may actually say that the diabetes was, in part, a blessing.Through their close attention to diet and exercise, and their close monitoring of stress levels, they have arrived at a deeper understanding of themselves and their relations to others. They realize that for all human beings, life is vulnerable and precious. Often, individuals with depression do not realize that they are depressed. It is easy to attribute the symptoms of depression to the diabetes. This is particularly difficult since depressed diabetics may have poorer glucose control. Sometimes a spouse or close friend can give good feedback. However, medical professionals or mental health clinicians may be the best ones to determine what is the diabetes and what is due to depression. A psychiatrist has had medical training before specializing in mental health. He or she can sort out the diagnosis, communicate with your regular doctor and help coordinate the treatment of the depression with treatment of the diabetes. Symptoms of Depression: These are based on the Diagnostic andStatistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, 4th Edition. (DSM-4) Depressed mood for most of the day Decreased pleasure in normal activities Difficulty sleeping or significantly increased need to sleep Weight loss or weight gain. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Low energy level Difficulty making decisions of concentrating Suicidal thoughts Treatment of Depression: The most important starting point is an accurate diagnosis. There have been major advances in the treatment of depression. There are specific medications and specific psychotherapy techniques that have been shown to help depression. Often individuals do well with a combination of antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy. Be sure that your clinician is willing to take the time to communicate with your diabetes team. Ideally, the mental health clinician should be familiar with your type of diabetes. Antidepressants: Today, we have a much wider variety of antidepressant medications than were available fifteenyears ago. Because we have more medication choices, we can often minimize annoying side effects. The older tricyclic antidepressants can increase glucose levels in non-depressed diabetics. However, when depressed diabetics take them, diabetic control improves. (Lustman et al. 1996) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft) are easier to administer and have fewer side effects, so they are more often used as the first line antidepressants. Sometimes they can cause decreased sexual desire. This may be a sensitive issue for some diabetics, especially those who have some sexual difficulty due to their diabetes. This is not a reason to avoid treatment. Keep an open dialogue with your psychiatrist. If the medication does affect sexual functioning, dose adjustment or a switch to another type of antidepressant can usually take care of the problem. Often, treatment of the depression can result in much better sexual functioning. Other types of antidepressants, suchas Bupropion (Wellbutrin) or Venlafaxine (Effexor) add to our treatment options. Some people respond to the first medication. Other people may have to try several medications before they hit upon the right one. Psychotherapy: Recently, researchers have made an effort to do good psychotherapy outcome studies. It turns out that several forms of psychotherapy really do work better than simple “tincture of time.” Cognitive psychotherapy is one of the methods that has demonstrated good results for depression. In this type of therapy, the individual identifies thought patterns associated with a depressive, hopeless outlook. Frequently these thought patterns are based on erroneously assumptions about self and others. The therapist helps the patient monitor such thoughts and to replace them with more effective positive ways of thinking. Cognitive therapy can also be helpful in non-depressed individuals who are having trouble with their diabetic management. Anxiety and stress can also causelarge jumps in blood glucose levels. Panic attacks may resemble hypoglycemic episodes and vice-versa. (When in doubt, treat it as hypoglycemia.) People respond differently to stressful situations. Given the same subjective level of stress, one diabetic may have a different glucose response from another. Because of this, one should monitor blood glucose more frequently during periods of stress. On the positive side, a conscientious diabetic may have a unique barometer of stress unavailable to the general population. There are a number of specific anxiety disorders that are treated differently. As with depression, there are specific medications and therapies that have been shown to work. If anxiety is severe, it is important to identify the specific type, so that one can embark on the right treatment. We will not cover all of these treatments in this article. The following are some general sugges QUESTION: Diabetes “normal” blood sugar levels? I have done a lot of reading online aboutwhat normal results are for blood sugar levels and the majority of health sites seem to say 70 to 100. I test myself with a home kit about once a week because diabetes runs in my family. My lowest was 62 and my highest is never over 71. I seem to get the number 69 a lot. I test in the afternoons, at least two hours after I have eaten lunch, as suggested on different sites for the most accurate reading. Should I be considered that my blood sugar is constantly on the low side, even though I am only one point from what it considered normal on average? ANSWER: It is low but fine if you feel good generally, you did not say if your tests are fasting tests or after breakfast by 2 hours because it is how diagnostic opinion should depend on however, here are the most normal readings: 1) fasting for at least 8 hours= from 70 to 100 mg/dl 2) hours after breakfast (after starting to eat and eating should not take more than 15 minutes) = less than 140 mg/dl 3) any Random test not preciselydependent of eating = less than 200 mg/dl good luck QUESTION: Gestational diabetes…why are my blood sugar levels sometimes smaller AFTER I eat? I have to take my blood sugar levels 7 times a day. Before each meal, an hour after each meal and before I go to bed. Sometimes my blood sugars are higher before I eat and then go down after I eat…shouldn’t it be the other way around?? ANSWER: I dont think this is uncommon, I am a diabetic type 2 and I have 2 healthy lil ones. I really had to watch what I ate all the time too, whatever i ate affected my sugar levels, but the more you check your sugar and eat properly you’llget familiar with this process and better control your diabetes. I also know it’s hard to do. But when all is said and done and you see that lil face looking at you, You’ll know it’s all worth it. Just ask your doc if you have any ?’s. QUESTION: Diabetes and candy blood sugar levels? my friend is diabetic shes 13 n loves candy especialy skittles but since she was diagnosed itwas obviously a no.is eating a bag of skittles raise her sugar dramatically or should she be ok? or can she have just a little ? Thank you! yah she’s type 1 ANSWER: A little most times turn into a ton. So just avoid them and go for something else. Celery sticks with a dab of peanut butter. Diabetic Jello, A small scoop of ice cream. A few peanuts. Kind of you to think of your friend, Tin QUESTION: blood Sugar levels w/ Type 1 diabetes? If a type 1 diabetic has not taken any insulin in a day and a half, but has been eating as they would regulary would their blood sugar levels be high or low? And would it be dangerously so? Also, because of the blood sugar level would they light-headed or tired or something like that? Detailed answered are appreciated, thanks in advance. ANSWER: Your blood sugars can become dangerously high, and cause a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When you do not take your insulin, your body cannot use the sugars in food for energy, so it burns fatinstead. When your body uses fats, ketones–an acidic byproduct–are produced. These build up in your bloodstream, and can make you very tired and dizzy. DKA is a serios complication of diabetes, and requires stablization in the ICU. QUESTION: I have gestational diabetes and I am having a hard time lowering my fasting blood sugar levels help please? Does anyone know how to lower these levels. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has a clue. ANSWER: diet? grapefruit in the morning with oatmeal and dry seven grain bread. turkey chicken or salads the rest of the day. don’t eat too late- stop eating at least 3 hours before bed. no sugars or dairy or bread for a while. oh yeah and good exercises every day any form of exertion will do. drink tons of water. i dont have diabetes … but your doctor should be able to tell you ways to lower it. QUESTION: Are these blood sugar levels alright? (Gestational diabetes)? Do these levels seem alright? I thought they were a little low .. my doctor saidthat 2 out of 4 levels were high for my 3 hour GTT and that they weren’t even that “bad” .. but regardless I’ve been diagnosed with GD and I’ve been following the diet fine .. and I only started the diet yesterday .. but do these seem normal? The doctor wants me to stay under 90 for fasting and under 130 an hour after meals. (NOT two hours, one hour!) Day 1 F-81 B-103 L-105 D-91 Day 2 F-92 (2 over my ideal .. not that bad I don’t think!) B-120 L-98 D-111 Just worried .. thanks! pegz64 — no they don’t, my doctor said under 130 an hour after the three big meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) .. i think i already said this? & why would I need 3-4 times the insulin when I’m not on any insulin in the first place .. ? My doctor’s office said it’s very rare for them to put anyone on insulin .. & I am not on it! ANSWER: if you talk to my doc’s they would say that’s great. here are a few of mine to give another person almost in the same boat as you except type 1 diabetic. also they have me doingpre-meal and post meal one hour after. when there is 2 values that is pre and post F-78 B-88 L- 76/88 D-35/116 day 2 F-88 B-60 L-62/55 D-81/66 they are try to correct my lows but so far no luck .i haven’t got the preggo appetite yet so i have to correct on my own, also i’m on insulin. i would say you are doing just fine keep up the good work. QUESTION: Does anyone have any ideas for science experiments involving diabetes/blood sugar? It needs to be fairly simple, probably just testing how a specific variable affects my blood sugar level. I could always do exercise, but I already know what that does to my blood sugar and would like something more interesting =) ANSWER: They say things like chromium, cinammon, and other vitamins lower blood sugar. You could take one of these for a while and observe the results. You could always do the low carb thing, reduce your carb intake for a couple of weeks, and look at the difference in your readings. I’ve done atkins in the past, and though theysay you should drop to 20 grams of carbs per day for the first two weeks, even reducing your intake to 50-100 would probably yield some good results. Hope this helps! QUESTION: My blood sugar levels (fast/post-lunch) indicate diabetes, but I had never any symptoms. What does this mean? Both parents diabetic. I go to a doctor regularly, take diabetes medicine and have gone through many blood-sugear tests (all point to a need for control). But I never had/have no symptoms of diabetes – no excessive urination (even in winter), no excessive thirst and no tingling in the arms. ANSWER: Type 2 diabetes develops more gradually. Some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms of frequent urination and increased thirst, but most show no symptoms. Have you actually been told you have diabetes or that you are pre-diabetic? Even without symptoms you need to start taking care of yourself. The vast majority of people, about 85%, who develop type 2 are clinically obese. Improving nutrition, increasingexercise and achieving a healthy weight are the main components of treatment for a person with Type 2 diabetes. Medication is required in most causes. Diabetes is a serious illness please don’t take it lightly because you do not have any symptoms yet, (I am sure you know this because of your parents). Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to very serious heart, eye, nerve and kidney problems down the road. Good luck I hope you are able to get yourself on track. QUESTION: Gestational Diabetes and normal blood sugar levels?? What is the normal blood sugar of someone who is pregnant after eating dinner? Or the recommended amount of sugar for that time? My doc said I am borderline diabetic so he didnt really have any explanations and I have a blood sugar monitor, and I was 123 after dinner two hours after. I wanted to make sure that it was ok. I dont want to have a 10 pound baby!! Oh he said I was ok’d not to have to monitor it, by how low my scores were. I am chubby but not giant and I justwas wondering.. ANSWER: Hello – targets during pregnancy are a little lower than normal diabetes. You should be aiming for 130 or less ONE hour after eating, 120 or less TWO hours after eating (you only have to measure once, not both hours). Fasting blood sugar should be 90 or less in the morning. 123 is so close to the target that I wouldn’t worry. If you want, wait a week and measure again to see if the baby’s growth has affected those numbers. But don’t drive yourself crazy worrying about it. QUESTION: Could I possibly have diabetes or a problem with blood sugar levels? I have heard people tell me that some of the things I am feeling could be related to blood sugar levels Here are some things: Headaches back pain shaky (only sometimes) thirsty like all the time i get very irritable when I don’t eat chest pains I’m sure it’s nothing, but the fact that i’m even asking is a big deal for me. I have a really really SEVERE fear of needle and injections. i don’t like blood, i can’t talkabout needles without feeling uncomfortable so I’ve always had the whole “diabetes” thing in the back of my mind and i truly would almost rather die then live with multiple needles everyday. it sounds dumb, but thats how much i hate them. Several years ago, this was brought up and a girl i used to be friends with who is diabetic gave me her extra tester and my BSL was low. we let it go but idk, it’s kinda scary to think about thanks in advance oh, and if it’s not is there anything you think it could be/ thanks ANSWER: NEVER get diagnosis online. That being a said, you do need to get tested for diabetes, as well as other things. This would include a fasting blood sugar and A1C blood test. This would indicate your blood sugar levels for the last three months. Most people with type 2 diabetes never use needles with insulin. Most take oral medication, and really have to watch their diet, along with exercise. You would have to do constant glucose blood tests yourself. Look up the AmericanDiabetes Asso website for lots of good information. If you do have it, it needs to be brought under control or the long term consequences could be drastic. Such as losing limbs, stroke, heart attacks, and eye sight loss. It’s nothing to mess with. Take care of yourself…and good luck. QUESTION: blood sugar level during gestational diabetes? iam diagnosed with gestational diabetes and monitoring sugar levels 4 times a day from 1 week.my dr told me that my blood sugar level should be <120 1hr after meal but i got 130,124 and 2 times 120. will that be a problem, does my dr keep me on insulin. ANSWER: Controlling gestational diabetes doesn’t have to be any different from controlling Type II diabetes. I’m giving you a couple of links that should be very helpful for that. As well, you need to understand that gestational diabetes means that you almost certain to develop Type II diabetes in the not-too-distant future. Start using these tips now and keep using them, for your own good. Try thesefor a while and see if they help. Hopefully, you’ll be able to control your glucose levels well enough that your doctor won’t have to put you on insulin. QUESTION: When would your blood sugar level become critical (diabetes)? Can anyone tell me what the normal levels are for blood levels, and at what level does it become life threatening? Thanks No, it’s not for me. I know someone who is a diabetic and was just wondering what numbers would be considered critical. Sorry, I didn’t see that last detail you left about the numbers. Thank You very much. ANSWER: If you get tested twice over a week or two and both times show a test result of over 150 both times you are more than likely considered diabetic. Anything over that level is considered bad. Higher levels such as in the 200′s can be damaging to tissues and eyes. Anything in the 300′s to 400 is very dangerous and can cause diabetic coma. QUESTION: does random blood sugar decides the diabetes? If random blood sugar level is alwaysbetween 140 and 160 which was taken at different times, does it mean that the person has no diabetes at all? can we rely on this random level? ANSWER: A non-diabetic’s random blood glucose reading typically does not exceed 140 mg/dL. The diagnosis of diabetes should not be based upon a single reading nor should it be based upon random readings. If you have had a random reading of 160 mg/dL this means that you should have a fasting glucose along with a glycated (glyco- and glycosylated are commonly used by reference laboratories although these terms are biochemically incorrect) hemoglobin A1C. The A1C gives the mean or average glucose over approximately the previous 90 days. Although reference labs may suggest different normal values for an A1C most authorities suggest that an A1C greater than 6.0% is presumptive of diabetes. 6.0% approximates (the relationship between A1C and glucose is non-linear) a 90 day mean glucose of 126 mg/dL. If you have a fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL (againsome reference labs will disagree with this number) and an A1C greater than 6.0% I would suggest that the diagnosis of diabetes would be valid. Simply having diabetes does not always imply that a person should immediately start on a pharmacologic agent. It is not uncommon to start with diet, exercise, and weight loss (when appropriate). I do not approve of terms such as pre-diabetic, borderline diabetic, and glucose intolerance as these terms miss the point. There is an approximately 10 year lead in period of pathological change prior to the glucose becoming elevated. Rather than use such terms an individual should be told that they ‘early’ diabetes. The earlier it is detected and the more decisive the intervention the better the outcome. Again people with early diabetes are not typically started on a pharmacologic agent. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and may God bless. QUESTION: can you blood sugar levels rise if you don’thave diabetes? I have a blood test tomorrow and I am a little worried about eating the wrong things ECT can my blood sugar levels rise if i drink too much coke before hand?? ANSWER: I am dieabetic and you have nothing to worrie about eat and drink how ever much coke and chocolate you like your body will make the insulin to control it unlike mine lol have a glass of coke for me lol QUESTION: Why would a type 2 diabetes blood sugar level be high in the morning but way lower throughout the day? My grandpa will wake up in the morning and find his blood sugar level (which I believe is what he measures with type 2 diabetes, correct me if im wrong) to be high, like 150-160, but he will go to his job which he does in the morning and comes home around 1pm most days, and when he measures it it is down to 110-130 already. He has been continuing a very good diet full of fiber and fruit and vegetables, and doesn’t eat late night snacks anymore(which makes this more confusing) but from day 1 he hashad this problem. He asked his doctor and he seemed clueless. Anyone know anything about this?!?!? sorry if i mixed up the details :/ i dont know what kind of doctor hes seeing or anything ANSWER: Yes, he would be checking his blood sugar every morning and hopefully before each meal. He should also check at 1 hour and 2 hours after supper at least once a week. This will tell him how well his body is handling what he eats and if he needs to make any changes to his diet or meds. This higher morning blood sugar is called Dawn Phenomenon. The solution for most diabetics is to have a small snack of about 15 carbs from whole grain, with some fat or protien. This reduces the amount of sugar that the liver releases overnight, resulting in a better reading in the morning. A good bedtime snack is one slice of WHOLE GRAIN bread with peanut butter (the type with NO sugar added). Or if he doesn’t like peanut butter, he could add a slice of cold chicken or roast beef, or some low fat cream cheese.His blood sugar in the morning should be between 110 and 135, so its a bit high right now. Having a small bedtime snack should help bring it down. I know it seems unlikely, but it works. IF he has any history of heart disease or is at risk, this fasting level will give him a better chance of surviving a heart attack, at least that’s what my endocrinologist told me just this week. Having really tight blood sugar control is a bit risky when you are older or having heart related issues. Tight blood sugar means having a fasting level from 90 to 120. He shouldn’t be aiming this low. Right now he’s not doing that badly and the snack at bedtime should help. If he was a much younger man, his morning blood sugar goal should be between 5.0 and 120, but given his age, that’s just too low. Recent studies show that having a more moderate approach to blood sugar reduces the risks for older people and increased the survival rate (in both studies). As a diabetic, he needs to be very careful whatfruits he eats and how much. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are good choices as they are high in fiber and low in carbs compared to other fruits. He should stay away from things like dried fruits such as raisins, figs and dates. Bananas are also quite high in sugar and not a good choice. He should also avoid canned fruits that have syrup. Look for fruits canned in water or juice, and drain off the juice, as its full of sugars, whether natural or added. Fresh fruit or fruit frozen with NO added sugar is far better than canned. You can look up the carb content of fruits, veggies and other foods online at and of course, if he’s using frozen or canned fruit, the carbs are listed on the packaging. Make sure he’s using the serving size suggested and not more. Your grandpa might have better results if he tests his blood sugar more often, and keeps a food log for a little while. If you want a testing guide you can print off, you can download a PDF here..