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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Chris, I have noticed that lately, my AM FBS is in the low 70s. I follow a LC diet. My post prandials are usually under 120 or even 100. If I eat or cheat with a starch or sugar, they will go higher.
My concern is the FBS. Are numbers in the 70s cause for concern?
I hope Chris doesn’t mind me jumping in on this one, Sharon. As both a diabetic (Type 2) and a medical professional, I’ve done a great deal of research on this myself. I’m hoping what I say is in line with Chris’ thinking – I’d be surprised if it wasn’t…
Fasting readings in the low-70’s are nothing to be worried about in my opinion. There’s various ideas on why hypoglycaemia is, but technically, it’s simply “low blood sugar”.
However, there’s a difference between being low, and being low that requires intervention.
Most emergency rooms consider severe medical hypoglycemia to be a combination of three things:
1) below 65mg/dl, and;
2) showing physical symptoms relating to hypoglycaemia, and;
2) continuing to quickly drop.
If you’re low 70’s, even high 60’s, but not dropping, and you feel OK, and your breakfast meal brings you up to healthy post-prandial levels you’re technically not hypoglycaemic and you’re just fine.
Here’s the thing about hypoglycaemia – it affects everyone according to what they’re USED to.
When first diagnosed as a diabetic, my sugars were routinely so high that when I got down in the 120’s I started experiencing physiological symptoms of hypoglycaemia (shakiness, confusion, etc.) yet I was technically not so. But my body FELT hypoglycaemic because it wasn’t used to normal readings.
Now that I’m in the normal range again, I only feel hypoglycaemic when I’m literally under 55mg/dl – which used to happen to me due to some medication I was on but no longer am taking. I felt fine in the 70’s as you likely do.
Again, fasting readings in the low 70’s are nothing to be concerned about. I know some people regularly in the 60’s in the morning. It’s only a concern if you’re symptomatic and dropping fast.
I hope that helps.
Hi Glen,
I do agree – thanks for your response!
I’m 56 yo female with recent medical blood tests showing FBG of 89, and I am overweight with the most fat concentrated in my belly region which I already know is unhealthy. All my doctor says is “you’ve gained weight since the last time you were here, why?” I have 1 living brother who is morbidly obese and has HBP and Type 2 diabetes which he manages both only with medications. I would prefer to avoid that if possible. Having said that, I do have HBP and manage that with lisinopril-hctz, and I have started an exercise program and am working up to making it 5x per week. I also have COPD with multiple sinus/allergy problems and manage those with various nasal sprays, and a stabilizing inhaler rather than rescue inhaler daily. I have become acutely aware that I must eat more healthy and increase my fresh veg and fruit intake, but I want to make a lifestyle change where I can manage it for the rest of my life. I’ve been looking at various diets, and one of the most trendy tells me that by eating high protein and vegs that my blood sugar will drop but this sounds to me more like Atkins/HPLC diet. Is it really necessary for me to give up all white starches and all bread/pasta? If my FBGL is 89 why am I gaining weight all around my belly?
Everything I have read here is very enlightening, but I wonder if I need to start to monitor my blood sugar post meal as indicated earlier, along with new eating and exercising patterns? And by the way, where is the future article you have mentioned about how to monitor it? I haven’t seen a link to it anywhere. Did I miss it?
Thanks for everything you’ve written and shared on the web. I really appreciate it!! 🙂
A significant percentage of type 2 diabetics have normal or high normal FBG, so yes, I always recommend testing post-meal blood sugars for this reason if you suspect you have a problem. And yes, it is necessary to give up white starches and pasta if you’d like to optimize your health and your blood sugar regulation.
Thank you so much for such a speedy response, and I will get to work on this absolutely! I’ve been told by a trainer at the gym that the only starches I should consume are sweet potatoes, brown rice and oatmeal. Do you agree with this? And I have recently become more aware of artificial sweeteners, even those touted as Stevia but are actually chemically produced. What is your opinion about artificial sweeteners? Do I need to lose them altogether too?
Again, many thanks, I’m so grateful I came upon this website and your willingness to share your knowledge!! Be blessed!!
Kind regards,
Lisa
I’m glad you mention this Chris – unfortunately for many Type II diabetics the FBG is the LAST thing that is compromised.
As such, since medical doctors often rely on FBG to screen for diabetes, they often miss something that should have been diagnosed years earlier. That was my case.
The OGGT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) is usually a much better indicator – but most doctors don’t send someone for this test unless they already suspect diabetes, which is somewhat backwards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cr9dDbVHuk is a great video with Dr. Tara Dall talking about how we currently diagnose diabetes… Worth a quick watch. Lots of research is showing advanced lipid testing can give an indication of onset of type II diabetes years before it is diagnosed with glucose…
Thanks for the info on Dr. Tara Dall, Glen. I really enjoyed the information.
I think that NMR Liposcience test is really important and many docs will just skip it or say it’s unnecessary. The last time I had one, my LDL-P number was 1741..too high. I’m hoping that a low carb and higher fat diet changes it.
We are told that even if the LDL is high, as long as the size is big and fluffy, you are safe, but Dr. Dall says differently. She claims the LDL should never be over 1000.
Of course, the battle of the experts opinions charges on, doesn’t it?
Glen, I’m very anxious to see what Chris thinks of Dr. Tara Dall and her view on diabetes and lipids.
When I took the NMR test (back in Sept. 2010), my insulin resistance score was 13 which is well below their suggestion of 45.
I called LipoScience to explain how to read the results. It’s a bit confusing.
My LDL size was 21.1
HDL size 9.5
LDL P 197
HDL P 11.2
My last mainstream Triglyc. test was 75 (Sept. 2011)
My total C at the time was 254. My last test in Sept 2011 was 236.
Then there was a reading which got flagged..
LDL Part number 1741 (flagged as HIGH) mainstream LDL read as 173
HDL Part number 29.6 (flagged as LOW) even though my mainstream HDL read as 67
I wonder if there is any way to bring down the LDL because according to Dr Dall, I’m doomed!
My primary doc, who is sort of natural, gave me plant sterols to lower cholesterol. I took them for awhile, but dumped the idea. I thought cholesterol was good for us.
I eat low carb, been pumping iron and cardio for 28 yrs.
Any thoughts? Thanks so much for your input. It’s much appreciated as is Chris’s wonderful mind.
Hi Sharon – first, I cannot give ANY medical advice over the internet, and it wouldn’t be appropriate on Chris’ fine blog anyway – (unlike me he’s not paid by the government and needs to make an independent living.)
BUT I will say this:
The evidence is quite clear that for many people (many, but not all – biological individuality tells us we ARE all different, naturally) when you eliminate refined/processed carbs/sugars and increase your intake of healthy fats, including saturated fats (as natural as possible) your cholesterol ratio improves AND your triglycerides drop.
I personally get all my carbohydrate sources from non-starchy vegetables and a little bit of lower-GI fruit. (Of course, as a Type II diabetic I must eat lower-GI fruit than healthier people simply to control my sugars – your mileage may vary.) I will sometimes (very rarely, maybe two times a week) have one slice of organic sprouted-grain bread – but only when the family is having sandwiches for supper… Even then it’s only 13g of carbohydrate.
Some people say you shouldn’t cut out fruit entirely – but you can if you wish. There is no nutrient found in fruit that you cannot get from vegetables – and with vegetables you get those nutrients with much fewer calories and much less sugar. Myself, I eat berries or cherries every day (they are my ‘go-to’ fruits, high-fiber and low-GI) and sometimes 1/2 a granny smith apple at a time. That’s all I can tolerate. Others that can enjoy more fruit are lucky, I suppose. =)
I don’t know how long you’ve been eating low-carb, or how low-carb you are. For me I *always* have LESS than 10% of my calories from carbohydrate. But I am severely diabetic, not everybody needs to eat that low. Most paleo people, for example, eat more than that – especially the ones that also engage in crossfit.
If you can afford it, it would be worth engaging Chris to look at your labs, your diet, and assist you in that regard – I’ve read enough of his work to believe in him, and have no problem recommending him as a medical professional. If you can’t afford it, I would recommend you read, research and learn as much as you can to help yourself – there’s a wealth of information out there for free if you take the time to look and find it.
I hope that helps, and good luck!
Hey Glen..I totally understand and with much due respect to you as well as Chris.
I appreciate any input, so thanks for taking time to respond.
I agree with you about being able to live quite nicely without fruit. I can go for days or weeks without and if I treat myself, it’s just like you..berries, a bit of apple, etc. Sometimes (very rarely) I’ll cheat with 1/3 banana in a smoothie..I’m such a wild, naughty girl..LOL!
I will continue to stay low carb and hope for the best. I can’t wait to see my next blood test results.
Again..thanks so much for being available and generous with your opinions.
When I do long cycling rides in the warmer months I enjoy little bits of banana in my smoothies too – but what I do is buy GREEN bananas, and then peel (which is pretty-darned difficult if they’re green enough) and freeze them. I break them into 3 chunks per banana and will add them to a smoothie if I really feel like a little extra carbohydrate…
Honestly, I also like the texture the small bit of frozen green banana provides – it makes it slightly thicker and more “milkshake-like” if that makes sense…
One of the best websites I’ve found so far on the issue. Thank you for the information!
I am a 31 year ld male. I am overweight. I started getting more serious about my health the last couple of months. I figured i would screen for diabetes by getting a blood glucose meter from CVS. This morning was the first time I used it. I tested myself in the morning after not eating for 8 hours- it was 104. About 10 mins after testing I had a Fiber One oatmeal and chocolate Fiber bar for breakfast…. I tested exactly 2 hours after that, and it read 86. 2 hours after I tested 86 for breakfast, I ate lunch. I then tested myself 1 hour after lunch, and it was at 84??? I am very concerned as the internet when researching these results give me too many answers that dont seem to match up…. I have started running, and watching my calorie intake and switching to a better diet… but are these reading cause for me to now go and see a doctor???
You reply is GREATLY appreciate Chris!! amazing writing!
My son is a 5yr old boy who was delivered as a premature 33wks due to renal failure due to bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureters which was corrected by numerous surgeries. He now has developed glucose intolerance since march 2011 treated with diet control but now his spikes are above 10mmol an he is irratable agressive an un able to sit still an has trouble concentrating. I am worried about his eye sight an he doesn’t heal well when he gets wounds. What are my options regarding treatment because he can’t go on like this he is also so thirsty he can drink easily up to 2l of water at his age in a day he will finish a glass an immediately ask for another one. He also passes large amounts of urine. Please help me I live in south africa. Thanks for your time
Everyone I know if being diagnosed with diabetes so I went to my doc for testing along with cholesterol testing. My A1c was 6.0 and FBG was 105. My cholesterol levels were all fine. I about freaked out but my doctor said everything was fine. I am confused about this. How could I be fine when everything I have read says I am prediabetic? I need to lose about 10 pounds so I have started on that, I already exercise a lot so am keeping that up, and am going on a low carb diet as I am a carbaholic! I plan on going back to have the A1C and FBG tests done in about 6 months and see where I stand. Is there anything else I should be doing? Thank you. P.S. – I am a 59 year old female with no diabetes in my family.
An A1c of 6.0 and FBG of 105 is not “fine”, unless your doctor considers pre-diabetic blood sugar to be not worth taking action on. Sadly, this is the state of our medical system, where common is confused with normal. You should be testing your post-meal blood sugars with a glucometer as described in a future article in this series.
Thanks for your comments. I did go to Walmart and bought the glucometer. My FBG so far has been in the 80’s and low 90’s. That is better than the 105 at the docs office but I need to work on getting it lower. I did test one night after eating pizza and my numbers were 135 after two hours so I have to work on that also. The beauty of the glucometer is you find out real fast what your numbers are and you can work on them immediately. My total cholesterol was 189, Triglycerides 86, HDL 52 and LDL 93. Do I need to work on them or are these numbers ok? I want to be aggressive with this.
Chris – you do a wonderful job with this site. Thank you so much.
For the past few weeks, I have noticed my FBS has been low 70s and today it was 67.
I do a LC diet and have been doing intermittent fasting. I didn’t do IF yesterday and woke up to this low number , 67, this morning.
I don’t have hypoglyemic symptoms during the day and my post prandials are usually under 120, but sometimes during the night, I’ll wake up , or sweat or wake up with some anxiety middle of night.
I’m wondering if cortisol is at play here. If it turns out that I am hypo, how do I test for that? How do I fix it and does it lead to diabetes?
Would it be a good idea to test fasting insulin? Does it mean that my insulin is running to high during the night?
My FBS readings are between 110 and 123 and PPBS after two hours shows between 86 and 95.
To make sure the readings are correct, i did my testings in different self testing machines and in lab.
As per my machine value above 110 is diabetic.
In my case, FBS is higher than PPBS. Why could be the reason ???
FYI, 2 hours after a meal you SHOULD be back to normal blood sugars. To properly test post-prandial glucose, it’s important to realize that most people get their highest spike anywhere between 45 minutes and 1hr 15 minutes.
To find out where my own highest spikes were, I tested multiple different meals post-prandial readings every 15 minutes. For me I typically spike between 45 minutes and one-hour.
You should take a look at what your 1hr spike is, not just your 2hr.
As for mornings being higher – it’s not uncommon in diabetics. Many of us have an issue often referred to as “Dawn Phenomenon” whereby the body determines it should likely dump some glucose into your system as you go through the process of waking. Various people have tried various methods to cure the issue – we’re all so different that there’s just no “cure-all” for everyone.
For me what works best is not “sleeping in” – too much sleep keeps my liver dumping glucose and ensuring I eat a small snack just before bed. Again, we’re all different so what works for me may not work for you.
Have you written the next article to this? I am very interested in this topic and would like to get my A1c down to what you suggest. My last A1c was 6 and the one before that was 5.7. I have not been lower than 5.6. I eat a low carb diet, I do eat fruit (apples, cherries, berries) but all before 3PM. I exercise on a regular basis and intense (I am a certified trainer). However, diabetes seems to run in my family. I see an Osteopath for my HRT program and this information mirrors much of his advice. However this blood sugar issue and my kidney function concern me. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.
Side note, I modified my diet myself because I realized that even moderate carb intake was causing me to experience low blood sugar within 20 minutes of eating. I also did so due to reflux issue and I read your articles there. Grain products and glueten were big culprits there. It’s a mine field out there!
Hi …
My name si Utsav Pathak .I am 30years old , i am a Diabetic…..My Sugar fasting and post having some food ….both levels are comming 87 nad 83 …..i wanted to know that is it OK or not….
Regards
Utsav Pathak
Kit
Low carb diets can indeed raise fasting glucose, and even insulin levels. I posted on this thread a year ago that I couldn’t lower my insulin levels. Well, I severely decreased my PUFA intake (eliminated nuts and seeds, pork and chicken skin, along with and all traces of vegetables oils) and increased my intake of gluten free starch. My insulin levels fell from 33 (extremely insulin resistant) to 4.7 (extremely healthy). My fasting blood sugars are now 75-85.
Low carb is not the only way.
My story is covered here: http://180degreehealth.com/2011/06/starch-lowers-insulin
Hi Chris,
How does this apply to a diagnosis of gestational diabetes? I just turned 33, was a few pounds overweight at the beginning of my pregnancy and have no family history of diabetes. I am approximately 31 weeks pregnant. I was diagnosed at 28 weeks with gestational diabetes and started treatment (measuring my sugar with a glucometer) shortly thereafter. I have excellent 2 hour numbers, almost always under 100 and usually falling in the high 80’s low 90’s…however, my fasting numbers have been higher recently. Before becoming stricter with my diet (carb intake), I was getting fasting readings between 75-85. Recently my highest to date has been 96. I am wondering if this could be due to the fact that I am on a low carb diet? Or could this be the insulin resistance that they speak of with gestational diabetes? I am trying to avoid insulin as well as other interventions during my pregnancy. I have been told that in order to do so, I need to keep my fasting numbers under 90. This diagnosis has created more anxiety and stress than is probably healthy! lol. But I have diligently modified my diet and activity levels nonetheless. I am at a loss as to how to keep my fasting numbers lower. It’s frustrating because I don’t have much time to figure all this stuff out before insulin will be proposed as a means to adjust my sugar levels. Any thoughts would be immensely appreciated. Thanks!
Kit,
I have been searching for an answer to this, as well – my daughter has gestational diabetes and all she is getting is “conventional wisdom” which now includes drugs. 🙁
I could not find where Chris answered this, did you? Or did you find any other resources to help you? I am following the link provided by Lynn in response to your question, to see what that says.
There must be non-traditional, non-pharmaceutical ways to fix this problem!
I’m type II and my issue is primarily high morning FBG. Ususually 120 to 150. I can go to be bed with 90 to 110, but it’s always up in the morning. No matter what I do, snack, no snack. cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek. I’ve experimented a lot. I’ve been trying 5,000 iu of D3 for the past month and that has had no effect either. My A1C was 5.9% two weeks ago. It was 7.9% when I was diagnosed three years ago. In addition I’ve notice that my after breakfast levels have risen considerably over the past six months. Used to drop down to the mid 80s but no longer. It really concerns me and my doctor just didn’t seem concerned. Really irritation not to get anywhere with a MD until it becomes a real problem. Any ideas?
My daughter had a period when she was very young of high blood sugar (350) and it quickly normalized. We spent the weekend in the hospital and it never got high again, except once it was 200. That was when she was a toddler. She is now 8 and has been having some unusual sugars again. This started a few months ago when I noticed her being more dramatic than usual. This usually prompts me to check her. Her FBG was 126. So they gave her the A1c test. It came back in the range of “pre-diabetic.” It was 5.7 I think? After this the doctor was going to “get back with me” on how to procede or what to do or not do. On the home front I cut her fruit intake in half. That was the only change we made. She was eating quite a bit of peaches. She is a small girl with no wieght issues. She does urinate a lot, especially at night requiring pull-ups that are usually soaked through in the AM. But she does NOT drink an alarming amount. I am pretty strict with her diet, but she is ALWAYS hungry and craves fruits. (I don’t allow sweets other than natual raw fruit.) The DR never got back with me and I just let it go, because her blood seems to have normalized. But this past week she let me know that she has been waking up feeling dizzy and sick like she may throw up. So we checked her morning FBG and it was 110, one day and 90 the next. Seems kind of high to me. What are your thoughts on the whole mess??
I should have pointed out that the 350 BG normalized on its own without any medications etc. Just a fluke we thought.
I still would love some in put on this. We still are getting some periodic high Fasting BG. We’ll be seeing a pediatric endro. Tuesday. But I would sure love the in put of a more natural friendly person. Chris??? Any opinions????
I’m wondering if this is normal. Sometimes my hands gets cold and I feel really faint when my glucose reads 92. Tonight it was strange, I ate something to hold me off til I could fix something which was peanut butter on whole wheat toast 1 slice and milk and then a few pieces of dark chocolate and then a serving of yogurt….and 15 mins after eating or so ot was just 95 or then ate salad about a 1/3 of it chicken sald….something like that then 30-45 mins bout 112 then drank OJ to see what would happen 15 mins back to 104 I feel hands cold and shaky weak, I do have anxiety but it all feels the same to me I can’t tell the difference if I’m actuallly hungry or not as I don’t really get hungry, my fasting glucose is 101-108 for the past 5-6 years. A1C is 5.1. Should I be worried my sugar isn’t increasing?
But is it very high?I’m very worried for him. His fasting blood sugar was 5.3 one day and 6.1 the other. Is his organs already being affected by this?Please advice me.
my brother’s sugar was 8.7 two hours after he had dinner. Does it mean that he’s diabetic?
It certainly suggests he is. He should get checked out ASAP.
Chris, just wanted to get your thoughts…
I’m 28years old, 6’1″, about 240 pounds (overweight, I know), over the last 2 months I’ve had a few bloods tests and a physical, here are my results.
HBA1C 5.7
Fasting Glucose (12 hour fast, I did exercise that morning but only consumed water), 99
Fasting Glucose Test (12 hours), I checked 2 days later in the morning as I woke up, no breakfast, etc 104
Non fasting glucose after breakfast, about 2 hours, 97
6 hour non fasting (Only had water between lunch and dinner) before dinner, 96
2 Hours after dinner, which included a glass of soda, 103
I’m not overly concered because I know I need to change my eating habbits, I like sweets to include chocolate (maybe have a couple of hershey kisses throughout the day) and probably eat a bowl of ice cream before bed 3-4 days a week. That has stopped.
My blood test indicated that my tric were eleveated, HDL a little low but the Chol was in the normal range..
Long story short, everything as a whole did worry me, I’ve significanty changed my eating habits and did start working out 4-5 times a week about 2 months ago.
Would any of the numbers above concern you. What I thought most interesting was my Glucose levels, fasting and non fasting, even after a meal, were all ~ 100, which I thought was acceptable? It always quickly came back down to 100.
My Dr. said that a 5.7 is within the normal range and I had no reason to be concerned with a FGT of 99 and the HBA1c of 5.7 but a few minutes online left me concered.
Thanks in advance for the reply!
High fasting glucose along with high A1c is not a good trend. Probably a good idea to address it now and clean up your diet before it progresses.
I assume that eating too many sweats regularily over a long period of time would increase the A1c level? Are you at all surprised that with an elevated fasting glucose that it comes back to ~ 100 so quickly after eating? All the indicators I’ve read for “pre-diabetic” indicate that <140 after eating is normal and I'm no where near that.
Chris, I guess to be more clear on what I was saying, I see that “pre-diabetic” is the HBA1C, FGT and Random Glucose tests can point to a problem depending on the results. I’m aware that my FT and A1c are high, and I contribute that to my lack of exercise and poor eating habits, but i’m surprised that my Random Glucose tests all came back at 100.
Hi and thank you for this site.been a very good read. I have been getting diabetes symptoms after meals. Been checing bs. Fbs is 95,120. Post meal goes up to 230+ after an an hour of eating. But will drop to 150 and so on after a couple more hours. I think it may be type 1.5. Im 32 slim and very active. Walk about three milrs a day for work. I know somthing isnt right. I have checked bs levels a couple years ago, and y readings never went over 90.
thank you and let me know your thoughts on this.
I have been regularly testing my blood sugar (both fasting and post prandial) and my HBA1C. While the sugar levels seems normal (90 and 130), my HBA1C seems higher at 6.5%. My HBA1C has gone as high as 6.8% while my sugar levels remained the same. I am very confused about the readings as they do not seem to add up. Can you please advise.