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Just started testing my glucose levels and feel lost

Posted , 4 users are following.

cristen75330
cristen75330

My doctor just got me going on testing my blood glucose 2-3 times a day, as of yesterday. We really didn't talk about it, I found out all this online through my patient portal on my doc's website. Having a hard time waiting to get answers from her so came here.

Questions-

Last night after eating a healthy dinner, number was 127, which I understand is good. This morning after fasting and before drinking any coffee or anything, number was 99. I had an early lunch followed by a bowl of ice cream, checked glucose after about 1 1/2 hours, number was 105. Is that good? Bad? Indifferent? I thought it was weird after eating sugar. 

Also, I feel so bad after eating sugar- right now I feel weak, tired, have a headache, yet my glucose looks fine? 

Can just a few times testing even really show anything? 

I'm just really confused about this entire process I guess. Can anyone help me out? 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • jen86183
    jen86183 cristen75330

    Posted

    Cristen, you can make yourself feel ill by worrying about every thing you eat. Maybe you need you lighten up a bit. Something I have just discovered is a really healthy sugar, good for diabetics (in moderation) is molasses, it is nice tasting as well.
    • jane16431
      jane16431 jen86183

      Posted

      For the record, Molasses makes my BG spike in a huge way.  More so than regular sugar.  Everyone is different.  That’s why testing is so important to learn your body.
  • jane16431
    jane16431 cristen75330

    Posted

    All your readings are actually quite good!

    In terms of testing after meals be careful because there is alway a short term spike in BG.  Everyone, even non D’s get this.  You will need to test frequently at the outset to learn how your body processes food and carbs.  At the start of self testing the more the better.

    When I started I did readings on wake up (fasting), before lunch, 1.5 hrs after lunch, before dinner, 1.5 hrs after dinner. AND before and after exercise.  I have cut back to 3-5 times per day.

    These readings are highly useful as you begin the learn how your body responds to food.  The learning period is about 3 months.  But even now I test often to keep me honest and on track.

    Readings also matter in that if you keep careful track you can predict your A1C within about 20% + or -

    I hope this helps

    • cristen75330
      cristen75330 jane16431

      Posted

      Thank you, this is helpful! I have tested two more times since posting this, I waited until the 2 hour mark after lunch and the number was 147, and tested just now at more than 4 hours after a snack and am at 143. I haven't been careful with what I eat today as I thought it might make sense to just eat how I normally would. I definitely agree it makes sense to test a lot right now. 

      Anyway, thanks again, I'm feeling much less overwhelmed with all this now smile

    • jane16431
      jane16431 cristen75330

      Posted

      Are you keeping a log?  You should.

      140s are not great but there are worse numbers as well.  

      Email me me with any questions 

  • jx41870
    jx41870 cristen75330

    Posted

    Your original numbers are quite good! 

    (and are in US numbers rather than UK numbers, UK uses a different system, and this is after all a UK site, but I'm in the US too)

    The 140's are getting up to the limit of what you want to see.

    Now the next step is learning to count "carbs".  These are different from calories.

    Part of the treatment for even suspected diabetes is to start watching your diet, avoiding things like ice cream (!), and keeping your carbs down to a certain level.  A humongous (carb) meal can spike your BG for hours, or longer.  But once you learn not to do that, you may feel a lot better.  And even lose a little weight!

     

  • sarah87162
    sarah87162 cristen75330

    Posted

    I test myself differently

    Supposed to be between 4 and 7.

    For you I think you multiply that number by 18.

    So 127/18 is roughly 7 that is OK.

    Be aware when you are diabetic it is not just a question of what you eat but when you eat it.

    Space your meals out evenly throughout the day and whatever you do DO NOT SKIP A MEAL.

    I never used to have breakfast. I cannot manage my diabetes without breakfast now even if it is just a piece of toast and marmite.

    Good luck with all this.

    Keep in touch

    Sarah

    • jane16431
      jane16431 sarah87162

      Posted

      You make a very good point about not skipping meals.

      When I was first dx'd I thought I'd just eat a whole lot less. And while losing weight is indeed important, spacing of food and portion control is critical to keep BG evened out. I have taken to eating small portions throughout the day. That still promotes weight loss but keeps BG more stable.

      I have been able to get my BG into non-diabetic ranges for the most part unless I indulge in something I am not supposed to.

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