1. Community
  2. Diabetes and hormone problems
  3. Diabetes

A1C & mg/dL

Posted , 3 users are following.

torpeau
torpeau

75 years old, proper weight and I exercise at gym 3 times a week & walk every day.. Very recently, my doctor started  scheduling me for more frequent visits to monitor prediabetes -- surprised, hadn't been aware of any problem. Reviewed test results from recent exams and my glucose was no higher than 102 mg/dL, but only 83 to 98 in the last 2 years. Hadn't been aware of A1C readings -- as high as 5.9, but all 5.6 & 5.7 in the last 2 years. Is the A1C reading the more important reading?

Am thinking I should get a glucose meter -- a good idea?

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • seangreen420
    seangreen420 torpeau

    Posted

    My doctor explained to me that a 1C result represents the blood glucose reading over a period of three months.

    This is the reading that counts. IMHO.

    Higher A1C reading means that overall there was more glucose in blood that could cause problem.

    I was also explained that spikes in blood glucose, 2 hours after each meal, is dangerous to the same extent.

    What I have done is to limit my overall glucose intake and at the same time eat less but more often

  • MtViewCatherine
    MtViewCatherine torpeau

    Posted

    HelloTorpeau, A1c is considered to be more accurate than the old standard blood glucose test because A1c is believed to show an average for the last three months and is not dependant on fasting. However, the accuracy of A1c has its limitations and can be inaccurate, so it's best if you can to do both glucose and A1c.

    OK, a glucose meter is a bit of a pain and expensive. You may find you can depend on your regular testing with the doc as a barometer, and use the time to try and lower your numbers with lifestyle changes. If you aren't able to get your numbers down in the next few months, then you may want to reconsider and get a glucose meter, so you can keep a closer eye on things.

    Something that's super important to consider is any medications you're taking. Many prescription medications can cause hypoglycemia, diabetes and other complications. It's worth your while to spend your energy looking at your existing meds, if any, and consider changing any meds that are known to cause diabetes. I say this from experience. My mother wound up with diabetic ketoacidosis due to one her medications, where previously, she had not been considered at risk for diabetes. Knowing what I know now,  I would think long and hard about any meds that are known to cause kidney, liver problems and diabetes. I certainly would never use these sort if drugs for anything long term.

    Hope that helps.

     

    • seangreen420
      seangreen420 MtViewCatherine

      Posted

      Great advice about the medications.

      i would be interested in knowing which medications that your mum was taking that could affect kidney, liver and diabetes, so that I can compare this with my medication.

      thanks for the help

    • MtViewCatherine
      MtViewCatherine seangreen420

      Posted

      Hi Sean, she was on a bunch of different meds initially, for different conditions. I systematically replaced them with herbs and other treatments because, in general the meds are toxic to kidney and liver. 

      I was was grateful when we were able to use diet to get her off the insulin so and onto oral metformin. However, when we started the metformin, I read all the side effects, and realized this isn't a good solution. So I started with the goal of getting her off the meds and that the metformin would only be temporary. I don't recall all the side effects, but basically anything affecting kidney and liver function can worsen the diabetes conditions.

      You should receive information about your medication when you pick up a new prescription. If not, you can do an online search. The companies post all the drug info online and are required to include it in prescriptions.

       

  • torpeau
    torpeau

    Posted

    When I read dietary recommendations,  I wonder if they are aimed primarily at the conditions that lead to becoming diabetic -- overweight, high blood pressure, high chlolesterol, etc..

    Since I'm not overweight, have no cholesterol problem and have a typical BP of about 122/75, I wonder if my best course of action is just to avoid carbohydrates, especially simple sugars.  Will discuss it further when I go back to the doctor in a couple months, but am looking for opinions now.

    • MtViewCatherine
      MtViewCatherine torpeau

      Posted

      Hi Torpeau, no, dietary recommendations for diabetes are very specifically around low glycemic indexes, low sugar content, high protein, low fat because all of these factors favour blood sugar stabilization. 

      For example, in most diets, fresh fruits are encouraged and are limited mainly by calories, while a diabetics diet limits fruit intake to avoid blood sugar spikes. Low fat diets also help stabilize blood sugar, and protein consumption helps slow digestion of foods containing sugars...

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.