In the last article I explained the three primary markers we use to track blood sugar: fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hemoglobin A1c (A1c). We also looked at what the medical establishment considers as “normal” for these markers. The table below summarizes those values.
| Marker | Normal | Pre-diabetes | Diabetes |
| Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) | <99 | 100-125 | >126 |
| OGGT / post-meal (mg/dL after 2 hours) | <140 | 140-199 | >200 |
| Hemoglobin A1c (%) | <6 | 6-6.4 | >6.4 |
In this article, we’re going to look at just how “normal” those normal levels are – according to the scientific literature. We’ll also consider which of these three markers is most important in preventing diabesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. But before we do that, I’d like to make an important point: context is everything.
As I mentioned in Part 1 of this article series, there are potential problems with how well these tests are utilized to diagnose diabetes. This is an area that needs further study, but continuous glucose monitoring for the general population may be a better marker.
In my work with patients, I never use any single marker alone to determine whether someone has a blood sugar issue. I run a full blood panel that includes fasting glucose, fasting insulin, A1c, fructosamine, uric acid and triglycerides (along with other lipids), and I also have them do post-meal testing at home over a period of 3 days with a range of foods.
If they have a few post-meal spikes and all other markers or normal, I’m not concerned. If their fasting BG, A1c and fructosamine are all elevated, and they’re having spikes, then I’m concerned and I will investigate further.
On a similar note, I’ve written that A1c is not a reliable marker for individuals because of context: there are many non-blood sugar-related conditions that can make A1c appear high or low. So if someone is normal on all of the other blood sugar markers, but has high A1c, I’m usually not concerned.
With all of that said, let’s take a look at some of the research.
Fasting Blood Sugar
According to continuous glucose monitoring studies of healthy people, a normal fasting blood sugar is 89 mg/dL or less. Many normal people have fasting blood sugar in the mid-to-high 70s.
While most doctors will tell you that anything under 100 mg/dL is normal, it may not be. In this study, people with FBG levels above 95 had more than 3x the risk of developing future diabetes than people with FBG levels below 90. This study showed progressively increasing risk of heart disease in men with FBG levels above 85 mg/dL, as compared to those with FBG levels of 81 mg/dL or lower.
Far more important than a single fasting blood glucose reading is the number of hours a day our blood sugar spends elevated over the level known to cause complications, which is roughly 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/L). I’ll discuss this in more detail in the OGGT section.
One caveat here is that very low-carb diets will produce elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Why? Because low-carb diets induce insulin resistance. Restricting carbohydrates produces a natural drop in insulin levels, which in turn activates hormone sensitive lipase. Fat tissue is then broken down, and non-esterified fatty acids (a.k.a. “free fatty acids” or NEFA) are released into the bloodstream. These NEFA are taken up by the muscles, which use them as fuel. And since the muscle’s needs for fuel has been met, it decreases sensitivity to insulin. You can read more about this at Hyperlipid.
So, if you eat a low-carb diet and have borderline high FBG (i.e. 90-105), it may not be cause for concern. Your post-meal blood sugars and A1c levels are more important.
Hemoglobin A1c
In spite of what the American Diabetes Association (ADA) tells us, a truly normal A1c is between 4.6% and 5.3%.
But while A1c is a good way to measure blood sugar in large population studies, it’s not as accurate for individuals. An A1c of 5.1% maps to an average blood sugar of about 100 mg/dL. But some people’s A1c results are always a little higher than their FBG and OGTT numbers would predict, and other people’s are always a little lower.
This is probably due to the fact that several factors can influence red blood cells.
A number of studies show that A1c levels below the diabetic range are associated with cardiovascular disease. This study showed that A1c levels lower than 5% had the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that a 1% increase (to 6%) significantly increased CVD risk. Another study showed an even tighter correlation between A1c and CVD, indicating a linear increase in CVD as A1c rose above 4.6% – a level that corresponds to a fasting blood glucose of just 86 mg/dL. Finally, this study showed that the risk of heart disease in people without diabetes doubles for every percentage point increase above 4.6%.
Studies also consistently show that A1c levels considered “normal” by the ADA fail to predict future diabetes. This study found that using the ADA criteria of an A1c of 6% as normal missed 70% of individuals with diabetes, 71-84% with dysglycemia, and 82-94% with pre-diabetes. How’s that for accuracy?
What we’ve learned so far, then, is that the fasting blood glucose and A1c levels recommended by the ADA are not reliable cut-offs for predicting or preventing future diabetes and heart disease. This is problematic, to say the least, because the A1c and FBG are the only glucose tests the vast majority of people get from their doctors.
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OGTT / Post-Meal Blood Sugars
If you recall, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures how our blood sugar responds to drinking a challenge solution of 75 grams of glucose. I don’t recommend this test, because A) it’s not realistic (no one ever drinks 75 grams of pure glucose), and B) it can produce horrible side effects for people with poor glucose control.
However, there’s another more realistic and convenient way to achieve a similar measurement, and that is simply using a glucometer to test your blood sugar one and two hours after you eat a meal. This is called post-prandial (post-meal) blood sugar testing. As we go through this section, the numbers I use apply to both OGTT and post-meal testing.
As the table at the beginning of this article indicates, the ADA considers OGTT of between 140 – 199 two hours after the challenge to be pre-diabetic, and levels above 200 to be diabetic.
But once again, continuous glucose monitoring studies suggest that the ADA levels are far too high. Most people’s blood sugar drops below 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal, and many healthy people drop below 100 mg/dL or return to baseline.
A continuous glucose monitoring study showed that sensor glucose concentrations were between 71 – 120 mg/dL for 91% of the day. Sensor values were less than or equal to 60 or 140 mg/dL for only 0.2% and 0.4% of the day, respectively.
On the other hand, some studies suggest that even healthy people with no known blood sugar problems can experience post-meal spikes above 140 mg/dL at one hour. As I said in the beginning of the article, context is everything and all of the markers for blood sugar must be interpreted together.
If post-meal blood sugars do rise above 140 mg/dL and stay there for a significant period of time, the consequences are severe. Prolonged exposure to blood sugars above 140 mg/dL causes irreversible beta cell loss (the beta cells produce insulin) and nerve damage. Diabetic retinopathy is an extremely common (and serious) diabetic complication. Cancer rates increase as post-meal blood sugars rise above 160 mg/dL. This study showed stroke risk increased by 25% for every 18 mg/dL rise in post-meal blood sugars. Finally, 1-hour OGTT readings above 155 mg/dL correlate strongly with increased CVD risk.
What does it all mean?
Let’s take a look again at what the ADA thinks is “normal” blood sugar:
| Marker | Normal | Pre-diabetes | Diabetes |
| Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) | <99 | 100-125 | >126 |
| OGGT / post-meal (mg/dL after 2 hours) | <140 | 140-199 | >200 |
| Hemoglobin A1c (%) | <6 | 6-6.4 | >6.4 |
But as we’ve seen in this article, these levels depend highly on context and whether all markers are elevated, or just a few of them.
If you’re interested in health and longevity – instead of just slowing the onset of serious disease by a few years – you might consider shooting for these targets. But remember to interpret the numbers together, and also remember that blood sugar is highly variable. If you wake up one morning and have a fasting blood sugar of 95, but your A1c and post-meal numbers are still normal, that’s usually no cause for concern. Likewise, if you see a one-hour post-meal spike of 145 mg/dL, but all of your other numbers are normal, that is also usually no cause for concern.
| Marker | Ideal |
| Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) | <86* |
| OGGT / post-meal (mg/dL after 2 hours) | <120 |
| Hemoglobin A1c (%) | <5.3 |
*If you’re following a low-carb diet, fasting blood sugars in the 90s and even low 100s may not be a problem, provided your A1c and post-meal blood sugars are within the normal range.
And the good news is that this can be done cheaply, safely and conveniently at home, without a doctor’s order and without subjecting yourself to the brutality of an OGTT.
I’ll describe exactly how to do this in the next article.
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Well, don,t know if this will help someone, but just in case. I am not diabetic, neither pre-diabetic, my husband is diabetic and I use his glucose meter to monitor myself too. Well, like 2 years ago I bought iodine pills because I read that iodine will low the risk for breast cancer. I started to take 1 pill daily of 150mcg iodine each, a few days after I started to develop hypoglycemia, no matter what I eat or in what amount, hypoglycemia didn,t improve I remember I was eating 3 bars of cookies n, cream chocolate from hershey with no avail, I was eating bread, french fries, candies with no avail, dizzyness what still there and my glucose didn,t went up of 68 doing this but it didn,t went down of 60 either, my FBG was always below 70 but never below 60, the only thing that worked was eating 2 full spoon of white sugar. I didn,t know why that happened to me, but after I quit taking those iodine pills hypoglycemia episodes also stopped. I read recently that iodine increase sensivity for insulin and some doctors are using it in type 2 diabetic ppl so this way those ppl don,t need to use medication.
My A1c is 5.9. The doctor says my fasting Blood sugar was 98 one year and 110 mg/dl the next. But I bought a Contour glucometer and measured my blood sugar after meals. Spaghetti dinner was a peak of 122. After 1 hr. it was 111. So my meal spikes are real low but my Fasting is sort of high and my A1C is high. Could both my fasting and A1C be due to other factors?
Hello,
I’m hoping someone can help me understand if I’m testing within normal range for my diet. I eat mostly dark greens, nuts, seeds and chicken, I use good fats liberally like coconut oil and I consumer flaxseed and take 2 PB8 a day. My BS was 114 a few hours after a meal, 152 an hour after a meal and 114 fasting. Chris says very low carb can bring higher results that could still be considered normal. The only sugar in my diet is Stevia w/coffee.
Lynne I have the same phenomenon happening and I think he said it is likely a cortisol issue. Perhaps he can expound upon that?
Hi Chris,
Is it possible for my 1 hour post dinner reading to be lower than my 2 hour? For example, i ate around 100g of carbs for dinner and a protein. My 1 hour post eating was 97 and 2 hours later 109! Why would the second figure be much higher than the 1 hour figure? Does this mean I have imparied glucose tolerance?
The 2 hr reading being higher than the first can simply mean that it took a long time to digest. Most likely to happen when you eat a high fat meal. Look up the ‘pizza effect’. The numbers you listed though could very well be within the margin of error for the meter anyways.
Yes, The meter can vary. To determine the amount of variation. Take several readings, say 4 in a row, when your blood sugar is stable like before breakfast. This will give you an idea of the variability of the meter. I can get a 10 mg/dl difference by taking a sample on the opposite hand!
I think these meters cannot be trusted. I tested myself before a fasting test at the lab. At home it was 100. Went to the lab, had the blood drawn, then tested with my meter 2 minutes later, and it was 110. When I got my results, it was only 84.
Hi Margaret,
May I know what glucose meter decide you are using? I am using the Aviva Accuchek one and it is pretty close. My fasting one day was 61mg/dL at home and when I tested it at the lab it was 66md/dL. So not too bad a difference I think and I am pretty happy with the accuracy so far.
I use True Track from CVS.
Almost 15 years ago I had Graves Disease and they nuked my thyroid. Since then my TSH levels swing from hyper to hypo-thyroidism on a regular basis making it nearly impossible to maintain a stable metabolism. I have had a single breath calorimetry which measured me at 1700 kcal/day although my weight is 360 lbs. With every bout of hypothyroidism (over the 3 months between testing), I will gain weight. I have managed to lose 60 pounds, but it has taken a great deal of hard work over a long period of time. My lipids are generally good, mostly normal, a little high in triglycerides but not scary. My blood sugar is getting worse and worse and does not seem to have anything to do with the foods I eat. Over the past 9 months I have been hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and hypothyroid again. The diabetes meds I am taking are antagonistic to the thyroid medications I’m taking. I feel these two diseases are at odds with each other. I really need some help and some advice, especially as to what kinds of food I should eat. Currently I focus on green vegetables, colorful starches (red potatoes), and lean meats. I don’t know what more I can do. Thanks.
I am Type 2, although I’ve never been obese and my endocrinologist thinks I may be a Monogenic (MODY) diabetic. I have become resistant to pills so am on insulin for both basal and bolus injections.
I learned a long time ago that my HA1C doesn’t equate to my Fructasomine which also doesn’t equate to my average blood sugar readings. My blood sugars before and after meals & insulin can be quite high and my daily sugars can vary wildly. I am insulin resistant. Even the fastest acting insulin can take three hours to take effect.
But my latest HA1C is 5.1. LDL is a low 42. Triglicerides 71, HDL 53 and overall cholesterol 109. Alt 19 and very, very slightly anemic.
I’ve given up on the usefulness of the HA1C test, as when I test my sugars 6 times a day at various times those numbers always average 140 or higher. Since it takes so long for insulin to kick in, I try to inject very early before meals, but also can’t risk hypoglycemia at work or driving. When I’m hypOglycemic, it’s usually at bedtime.
Any thoughts?
Hi Chris, Thanks for the informative article, My wife was diagnosed GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) during third pregnancy (completed March-2013). After that fasting and random blood sugar comes to normal levels.She had OGTT test done after 3 months and the reading were in normal ranges specified. Two month ago, she checked fasting blood sugar at home using one of handheld glucometer and had readings in range of 120-135 mg/dl. along with random test readings (2 hours) always comes lesser than fasting test results. She started a very strict diet plan but fasting readings fluctuates in the same range with random once again comes lesser than fasting results. She just had glucose fasting, random and HBA1C test done at a reputed laboratory and readings are as under
Fasting (approx. 12 hours) = 125 mg/dl
Random (two hours) = 105 mg/dl.
HBA1C = 5.2 %.
We haven’t see any Doctor yet and I want to have your opinion on these readings i.e. is she is diabetic or what? also comment why fating sugar levels are higher than random sugar levels. My wife is 33 years old and very active.
Dear Chris,
I am wondering if you can help me. At 44, I delivered my first baby and developed gestational diabetes with my pregnancy. I was on bed rest towards the end and had to take quick and long lasting insulin. After my C section, they checked my sugars and told me they were back to normal.
However, 6 months later, I am still checking as my first a1c at 2 months was 5.6. It then came down to 5.2. I am very thin, 108 at 5″4, and exercise by walking every day, usually 45 minutes to an hour at a fast pace and pushing a stroller. My waking sugars range from high 80’s to sometimes high 90’s. Two hours after meals, usually below 100, but sometimes in the low 100’s or teens.
I do not have diabetes in my family, and try very hard to watch my carb intake. I do not enjoy animal protein, but find that chicken especially keeps the sugars low. I often find myself very hungry mid morning and mid afternoon.
I tested my a1c today, 6 months after delivery, and was disappointed to see 5.9!
Any thoughts as to my chances of now having type 2? The clinic I see here told me to stop checking and come back in a few months.
Thank you
Hi Susie, Like you I also developed gestational diabetes. I developed it in two pregnancies. I was somewhat surprised by my diagnosis since I’d never had any major issues with my weight. My blood sugars returned to normal after delivery but later became elevated. I couldn’t understand because I simply did not fit what I thought was the criteria for diabetes. I researched “thin diabetics” and found a well of information on diabetic “myths”. Thin people can and do develop diabetes. Also research insulin resistance. I also was told to stop checking my blood sugars so frequently but I still check because it gives me an idea as how different foods effect my blood sugars. I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for writing back. I am truly confused by the numbers I am seeing. This morning my fasting was 100, where as yesterday it was 86. I have now starting checking my one hour sugars after meals, and so far, they are in the low 100’s. However, I have not really tried to carb overload to really test it. I notice that an hour after rising, the numbers go back down to the 80’s. It’s the first one of the morning that seems high.
My greatest fear is that I am already doing damage to my heart, eyes, and nerves. My baby girl already has an “old” mom, I just want to stay so healthy for her sake as well as my own.
Do you take anything? What foods seem to elevate your numbers?
Thanks again!
Yep, I take 500mg of metformin twice a day. During my pregnancies I managed my blood sugars really well with diet and exercise without any meds. I would suggest seeing a Endocrinologist and having a Glucose Tolerance Test done. This is a good way to find out if your insulin is impaired. If you’ve ever had a GTT done then you already know that it is no day at the beach consuming such a sweet liquid substance that can bring you to your knees. The GTT was the way I learned that I had developed type 2 diabetes. After one hour my blood sugars went to 205. The foods that I’ve found to have the biggest effect on my blood sugars are starches. White rice, potatoes, bread. I’ve switched to brown rice which I don’t particularly care for but it has less impact on my blood sugars. I tried the whole wheat bread, but I just couldn’t eat it, so I now eat honeywheat. I love fruit but I also have to eat it in moderation. I’ve learned that for me portion size, types of carbs and timing is key to managing my blood sugars. I need a small snack before bed or my morning fasting blood sugars will be elevated. According to my doctor going too long without food can sometimes cause your body to think it is starving and thus causing the liver to produce more glucose resulting in high morning fasting glucose. When your insulin is impaired it may not be able to handle the extra glucose produced by the liver. I try not to eat my snack after 10:00 because I want a true fasting (8-10 hours after a meal) in the morning. Take your time and choose a good Endocrinologist, bring a list of questions with all your concerns. Bring your monitor with you. Be prepared to go through a battery of test including having your thyroid checked. If meds are suggested ask if they are necessary to manage your blood sugars and make sure you are satisfied with the medical advice. I hope this is helpful
Susie, Knowledge Sponge is right, thin people do get diabetes. Besides, there are many obese people without diabetes.
I’ve read it may take about 10-15 years for women with gestational diabetes to develop full blown diabetes, after their pregnancy. It may also manifest itself with the onset of menopause.
I’d advise you to test 1 hour after meals if you want to find out whether your glucose/carb metabolism is impaired. In early diabetes, when fasting and 2-hour levels are still normal, the 1st hour reading may reveal the problem. For more detail, you may read about the two phases of insulin release after meals. If the 1st phase is broken, you will have a high 1-hour reading, like above 140. In fact, the “fully normal” people’s glucose rarely goes over 120 even an hour after carbohydrate-rich meals.
Take care 🙂
Thanks so much for your response. I started checking yesterday the sugar levels one hour after meals, and they were in the low 100’s to teens. That said, I did not really carb overload, just a normal meal.
I do understand that thin people get diabetes, I was just surprised, as I do not really fit the profile…no family history, and always a normal weight…very healthy. I have read and understand that 50 % of gestational diabetes patients go on to develop Type 2 within a few years. I guess was just hoping to prevent or keep it at bay as long as possible. I really miss being able to eat normally and with more spontaneity. I have also been a vegetarian most of my adult life. But I am finding that the grains, rice, beans, etc, seem to elevate my sugars, where chicken and cheese, eggs, beef, do not. I also have a terrible sweet tooth.
Any thoughts on medication, or maybe switching doctors? I feel that an A1C jump from 5.2 to 5.9 in a month is a red flag. Do you think the at home tests are truly accurate? I am also experiencing a great deal of stress at home.
For the most par, my sugars seemed to be under control, with the exception of the waking/fastings, which lately have been in the 90’s…sometime low, sometimes close to or at 100.
Thank you for your time!!
Dear Susie, I agree with you that a 0.7% jump in your A1c is not something to be ignored.
I’m not sure you can prevent diabetes, but you can control it. As you’ve rightly found out, carbohydrates elevate your blood sugar levels, while proteins and/or fat do not (though they may, a little bit).
Was your A1c tested with a home test kit? As far as I know, at home A1c tests are not too off, while glucose meters are allowed to be up to 20% off.
Susie, with the numbers you’ve posted, I highly doubt you’re doing any damage to your heart, eyes, and nerves. I’m not a doctor, but my opinion is you need no medication, at least as long as your readings are as great as you’ve reported them to be. Now to find out why your A1c has jumped to 5.9%… Stress may have contributed to it, especially if you tend to snack often, when stressed. Just an idea.
Hi Chris,
I am a female, 22 years old, from Portugal.
I was a bit overweight when I was a kid and diagnosed with hashimoto’s at the age of 14. My TSH was extremely high and I of course was a depressed kid.
During my teenage years that follow I became anorexic. I didn’t stopped eating at all, actually I ate every 3h..but just granola bars and everything that was low-fat. I lost nearly 17kg.
When I cured myself (did theraphy, gained weight, my period came back etc) and reintroduced carbs, I experienced reactive hypoglycemia. It’s like a plague. One hour after eating my blood sugar was 50. The doctors advice was to eat carbs every 2h … you can imagine what happend next.. I got stuck in a cycle where every 10 minutes to 1h my blood sugar was 35. Sometimes riight after eating. Being this young I had no idea why this was happening… I though I was going to die from this. I could never leave my house without something with sugar in my purse and I passed out in supermakerts, school, coffee, shopping center… My doctor prescribed me anti depressants and refused to understand that RH is real. Anyway, I did a 21 days sugar detox which seemed to be solving my reactive hypoglycemia, and started supplementing with Omega 3 and Chromium. (which I think was crucial). Of course now I am still afraid of this happening again,specially because I couldn’t and still can’t find a doctor in my country who can help me understand what was happening. Reading your posts and doing my own research is what is helping… Do you think I still need to do cortisol/adrenal tests? Perhaps I still have low DHEA? In Portugal is hard to find someone who can do them but I will do whatever I need to do to guarentee I will no longer be through such pain again.
sorry for my english! and for being scared and confused…..I’m afraid it can all come back…… I almost died. And I’m going to go to college again and wanna make sure I can have a life again. Please give me some advice or at least suggest all tests I shoud do…
Thank you so much and sorry for the long text and taking your time!
Thanks Lynn, that is a relief. I will try to be patient. I will never go low carb again!
Me either! It was bad news for my mental and physical health, and in fact *worsened* my IR. The mian thing I changed when I went back to eating good carbs was that I massively decreased my PUFA intake. I don’t eat pork and avoid vegetable oil and poultry skin like the plague…
No you haven’t, Margaret. I ate VLC for four years, and within six months my levels fell back to the 80s. Please don’t worry about that, and go eat some good carbs instead. My insulin was also insanely high on LC (33!), but it fell to 4.7 after a few momnths of eating plenty of good carbs.
My story is covered here: https://180degreehealth.com/2011/06/starch-lowers-insulin.
“One caveat here is that very low-carb diets will produce elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Why? Because low-carb diets induce insulin resistance.”
This seems to militate AGAINST a low carb diet, as insulin resistance is BAD, correct?
I was on VLC (30 g or less a day with a weekly refeed) for about 5 months. During that time, my fasting glucose was around 96. Prior to this, low 80s had always the norm for me. Since going off the diet 3 months ago, my levels are still elevated. I think by going low carb I’ve destroyed my body’s ability to process carbs.
I am new to this so exuse me if I have missed something but wouldn’t intermitent fasting produce the same effects on your insulin resistents as a no carb diet?
Hi. I am Registered Dietitian. One of my friend developed gestational diabetes even though there is no family history of diabetes or GD. She controlled her sugars by diet and exercise during pregnancy. Now she is pre diabetic where only her OGTT is 154. Her fasting and HbA1c are normal. Y is tat so ? How can she control her sugars and post pone diabetes.
hi, I would like to know if insomia and anxiety can cause high BS. I have to take sleeping pills to sleep, but only get 4 hours a night. I take anxiety meds, but still have anxiety. Have racing heart rate. My FBS is 95-100 and after a small snack of one bite bagle and 2 sips tea it was 137. in evening it went to 156. Help…..
Aany type of stress on the body can raise BG numbers. IT just vareid as to what extent. I know when I have a cold they shoot up quite a bit higher than ususal.
Hi. Just ran across your article. I’ve had some confusing numbers pop up in regards to my blood sugar. Last fall I had some lab work done at the doctors. Fasting sugar was one of the things tested. And it came out at 79. A pretty healthy number. Just recently, I bought a home glucose meter out of my own curiosity and because I’ve been having some symptoms that could possibly point in that direction such as peeing more often some days (although that could just be from anxiety and green tea) and feeling tired (although I don’t sleep very well). I tested my own fasting glucose. One morning it was 99, 107 the next, and 104 the third day. I only tested post high carb meal one day where I ate a bagel. One hour after it was 125 and 111 at two hours, 110 at three hours. So those numbers were pretty well within normal range, but my FBG seem to be high. I called my doctor to tell her about it, but she doesn’t seem to be concerned about it as long as it’s not over 110. But I am concerned. I don’t exactly fit the bill for pre diabetes. I’m not over weight (118 lbs). My blood pressure is always fine. Last fall my cholesterol was healthy (170). I exercise three times a week. And my diet isn’t horrible. I don’t eat enough vegetables, but I reserve soda and dessert only for special occasions. I did go from an active factory job to a sedentary desk job last summer (couple months before the FBS of 79), but like I said, I try to get to the gym three times a week. I’m only 27. My grandparents on my mothers side had diabetes, one from poor lifestyle choices and obesity, the other didn’t get it till in his 70’s. But neither of my parents or any of my siblings have it. So what do you make of this? Should I be worried? Could anxiety or insomnia be causing my FBS to be too high? Or perhaps my home meter isn’t very accurate?
Now, i’m worried. I had a prediabetes test done several months ago and my FBG was 91 mg/dL and my A1c was 5.6. I’ve been testing my blood sugar levels with a True2Go meter and my FBG is below 90 and, in some cases, is as low as 70. My post-meal blood glucose is usually below 130 45 minutes to an hour later. But, a breakfast of two reggs on a white roll, accompanied by some white potato and bell peppers, brought my blood glucaose level to 149 after 45 minutes. I immediately did another test with the same blood drop and got 142. But, 15 minutes after that test, my blood glucose was 123 and, an hour after that, it was 108. Should I worry? Am I headed towards diabetes in ten years?
John, when my doc diagnosed me with prediabetes, my FBG was 78, but the A1C was more revealing. It was 5.9. It took me about 2 years to get it down to 5.5, but I’m still not satisified as that is an average BG of 112. My goal is to get the A1C below 5. My AM fasting is always quite low. My post prandials are pretty good because I follow a low carb diet. You may do well by reading The Diabetes Solution by Dr. Richard Bernstein…very informative.
Your post meal readings are just too dangerous, in my opinion. I would ditch white breads and potatoes and perhaps follow a more low carb diet, as Dr. Bernstein advocates.
Keep in mind that the test strips that are available today are just flat out not accurate.
It really sucks, but until the multitudes complain, nothing may be done about it.
May I also suggest checking out http://www.bloodsugar101.com
You will learn alot. Good luck!
Sharon,
If the test strips aren’t accurate then what is? I’m so lost with all this information. When I was diagnosed 3 months ago the test strips were showing 280 but now since I have cut out bread, sugar and pasta my levels are consistently 88-110 so what do you suggest to test your levels?
Thanks
Craig, I know it’s all very frustrating. The last I heard from Dr. Bernstein’s podcast is that the Aviva strips, the old version, are the best ones and can be purchased from Canadian pharmacies and they are pricey. You can write to him and see if they came up with any solutions yet.
You can write to them [email protected]
I got so disgusted with testing, I just eat right and don’t test often.The accuracy is really for people who are dependent on insulin and it’s imperative that they get the most accurate reading.
I just get strips from my father (who is diabetic and Medicare sends him strips) and I use those.
Take a listen to Bernstein’s podcast the last Wednesday of every month. I believe there is one coming up tomorrow. Read his book, it’s well worth it. The Diabetes Solution.
Thanks, Sharon. It’s a great webpage. There’s so much contradictory stuff on the web that I don’t know what to believe. But, Blood Sugar 101 looks pretty good.
Over the last few months I have developed some alarming symptoms. My toes are numb and my entire hands go numb off and on. I have intense leg and foot pain that burns so bad, I cannot sleep at night. Most recently, I have had intense thirst and non-stop urination throughout the night and day. In general, I feel horrible with fatigue, back pain, headaches and an unexplained ravenous appetite. I am about 40 lbs overweight and most of it is in my belly. I have extremely high cholestorol along with a hypothyroid issue. I’m beginning to feel like a hypochondriac. The kicker is…. my bloodwork is all normal and my doctor is not concerned. She prescribed Lyrica for the pain, but I cannot dismiss these symptoms. What could possibly be causing this? Does anyone else have this problem?
Carrie, what do you mean your bloodworm is all normal? What tests did you get and do you have copies of the results? What tests did you do for thyroid function? What do you do for your hypothyroidism? It sounds to me like you need a new doctor who understands the intricacies of thyroid related issues, and who will be able to assess whether you are taking the right medication, particularly if what you take now is thyroxine.What does your diet consist of generally?
Hi Chris: thank for your article, it is very informative.
I am 54 male, now 83 kg ( and guess about 8 kg over normal weight for my height; have lost 2 Kg in last 2 months). For last few years I have had all kinds of tests done, including blood work, MRI etc for feeling light headed, headaches, disoriented giddy feeling, ringing in ears, seeing spots etc etc. Litany of issues. Have had cardiac workup done as well
Everybody looked at my blood work, Pre-fasting around 100, post around 140 and said I was in range, need to lose weight, get fit. And everybody says Sugars are not the problem.
This did not compute.
Finally got to India last month and had insulin levels and sugar checked every half hour, and low and behold, PP jumped from 100 to 160 in half hour, 190 in 1 hour, and then settled to around 140 in 2 hours.
The spikes are killing me. Very unsettling. Sometimes cannot even walk, and feel very unsteady. I can feel my right eye veins start to hurt and throb. Other times are better
I am on half tablet of Metformin (500Mg) twice daily ( was on 500MG twice daily, doctor said cut the dose over last 2 days; seems to improved tolerance for spikes). Also take Blood pressure medicine for 30 years; and multivits, cinnamon, omega 3.
I have started watching diet, and working out. Will improve.
Anymore need to be own Advocate and find out what is wrong and how to solve it
1) are there any other tests I need to do to pinpoint issues or find out about beta cells etc, get to bottom of issues
2) anything else I can do to reduce to fasting sugars to below 100???
Best Regards,