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Posted 1/8/2011 8:06 PM (GMT -7)
Had a blood test done and doctor called me and said my results were 7.6 and theefore I am diabetic.  I do not understand this.  I thought a series of three tests were necessary to determine this.  She is putting me on a diabetes medication and I was told to lose weight and exercise.  I did fast for the test but the day before test I went crazy eating Christmas cookies.  I'm confused.
Posted 1/8/2011 8:35 PM (GMT -7)
I assume the test results were from an A1C test. This test measures your average blood glucose over the last 6-12 weeks (depending on who you ask). A normal A1C result should be in the 5's. A 7.6 places your average blood glucose levels at around 165-170 mg/dl (which is the US measurements for home glucose monitors). Even pigging out a handful of hours before an A!C would not greatly effect its results. It would effect the results of the immediate readings labs do in addition to the A1C, but not the A1C itself so much. Also a normal person could consume 5 lbs or sugar and a few hours later their blood glucose would once again be normal.

This is pretty well elevated. While it is not "critical" yet it is still high enough that if not brought down complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, etc will become a reality.

So to answer your main question, yes you are diabetic based on the results of your lab work. The good news though is that while it is high it is still at a level that if you tackle it head on and get serious about controlling it you should not have much trouble. In addition to the medication you really should read up on diabetes as much as you can and get in to see a diabetes educator and a certified dietitian and learn about proper diet, about how to count carbs, about how fats, fiber and calories can effect your blood sugars and how not all carbs are created equal.
Posted 1/9/2011 6:59 AM (GMT -7)
Sable, are you in the US?  There are two systems used to measure blood sugar.  In the US we use mg/dL and most of the rest of the world (Canada, Europe, etc.) use mmol/L.  Where are you?  If 7.6 is the average blood sugar in mmol/L, it is not critically high.  However, if it was the A1c (a blood test measuring blood sugar average over 3 months), then it's much higher and needs some attention.  An A1c that high should be much lower so your body does not have organ damage caused by the high blood sugar.  Please tell us where you live and let's go from there.
Posted 1/9/2011 8:54 AM (GMT -7)
I live in the us.  However you say over a three month period of tests.  I had one test - that's it.  Can I be diagnosed diabetic with just one test?  Also if I go on the medication for diabetes can I ever get off of it?  I am trying my best to follow a good diet and exercise (ugh) more.  The doctor also said nothing about testing myself just to have a repeat blood test in two months and see her then.  What do you think?
Posted 1/9/2011 9:55 AM (GMT -7)
Sable, remember that I am not a doctor (no one here is!) and so whatever I know is from experience and what I've learned from that, other diabetics, reading and from many members here.  In any case, since you're in the States, then that test is called the A1c because that's the only test (I'm fairly sure) we have here that would be in those numbers.  This one blood test is a measurement of what your blood sugar had been over 90 days.  It's the average of what your blood sugar has been.  According to the standard charts, that would be slightly higher than 169 on a blood glucose meter and having blood sugar that high (and higher because it's an average) can be damaging for many organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes.  Now, my opinion is that it would be surprising that you were not given a chance to bring your blood sugar down with diet and exercise first.  I'm also surprised your diagnosis was based on this one test, but doctors have different ways of dealing with their patients.  Also, having your own blood sugar meter would be essential so you can see how your diet is affecting your blood sugar.  Diet directly affects blood sugar in everyone but in diabetics or those who are 'borderline' (able to control diabetes with diet and exercise), diet is very crucial and a daily and lifelong way of eating.  If a person is overweight and loses weight and cuts down on food heavy in carbs and engages in a regular exercise routine, then that person will most likely see his/her blood sugar lower.  A diet for a diabetic is not necessarily the same for someone who is merely told to 'lose weight'.  Since diabetics cannot metabolize carbohydrates, then food with carbs will drive the blood sugar higher and cause weight gain.  Please read the two stickies at the top of the Diabetes Forum here (Testimonial and the Diabetes Resources) to learn more about this.  If I were you, I would ask your doctor to prescribe a blood sugar meter.  If you have insurance that should be covered.  Or, you can buy one at WalMart.  Their brand is ReliOn and is not expensive.  I'm sure it seems overwhelming to grasp all this in the beginning but take one step at a time you'll be ok.  Come and ask questions.  We're happy to help! 

yeah  

Posted 1/9/2011 10:15 AM (GMT -7)
Lanie,  My doctor said I should try to lose weight and exercise and if I wanted she would prescribe a diabetic medication for me also.  I had her do this but wonder if I should just try myself and see what happens - this totally has me bouncing off the walls.  I am very overwieght and lately have developed leg ulcers for which I am going to a wound clinic starting this week.  Last year my test came back a 5 - I'm falling apart and I'm scared.
Posted 1/9/2011 12:59 PM (GMT -7)
If there is a posability you are diabetic lay off the sweets..........
Posted 1/9/2011 1:11 PM (GMT -7)
Sable,  if you don't have any other medical conditions that would prevent you from changing your lifestyle (eating and exercise), then you yourself can make a very big difference in your blood sugar tests by the next doctor's appointment.  First of all, you need a meter so you can see what your blood sugar is when you wake up and a couple of hours after you eat.  Next, you need to eliminate the obvious carbs and you can start that little by little but you have to realize that your blood sugar is high because of the carbohydrates.  Next, you should engage in some kind of exercise that you are able to do on a regular basis (as long as you don't have a medical condition that prevents it.  Talk to you doctor beforehand.)  Your blood sugar, according the to A1c test, is not critical but you certainly don't want it going higher.  You already know that diabetics have problems with wounds healing slowly, and this can lead to other complications.  Keeping your blood sugar within normal parameters will help avoid these problems.  Can I ask how old you are?  Also, are you on any other meds that might affect your blood sugar?  You can Google the name of your meds and look at side effects.  Or, Google the name followed by 'blood sugar' and see if anything comes up.
Posted 1/9/2011 2:57 PM (GMT -7)
I am 66 years old and take two water pills -Spironolactone and Furosemide; two pain pills Tramadol and Hydrocodone, Verapamil and now she is also putting me on Zocor as my cholesterol is 224. I have COPD and sleep apnea also besides osteroarthrits. I have decided not to take the medication for diabetes and go the two months on my own with diet and exercise and see what happens. Thanks for your help I truly appreciate it.
Posted 1/9/2011 4:12 PM (GMT -7)
I'm 62 and both my mother and grandmother (her mother) had type 2 diabetes and died because of it.  However, they didn't have personal blood sugar meters at that time (I believe.) but today we can see what our readings are immediately and that is wonderful.  This is why I suggested that you get one somehow.  If you're on Medicare, I believe you can get one free but please look into this because I'm not familiar with that coverage.  Anyway, if you can create a little exercise program for yourself, even if for 10 minutes at a time a couple of times a day, you will help yourself a lot.  One thing we sometimes don't think about is toning up our muscles.  Women are especially weak in upperbody and just spending some time strengthening our arms and back can have great effects on our health.  Muscles use up glucose in our blood (which is a good thing!), so the more muscle you have the better control of that is.  As long as your doctor gives the OK then you can start with little dumb bells and if you don't want to buy them, you can put a couple of canned food cans in a bag and lift them.  Be creative.  tongue    If you cannot walk for long periods of time because of the COPD, try just a few minutes at a time, or marching in place in your home during every commercial if you watch TV. 

Keep a journal.  A journal of what you eat for meals and what kinds of activity you do and what your blood sugar is  This is important for you to understand how your lifestyle affects your blood sugar.

Don't worry.  You're not alone.  I'm glad you found us!  smurf

Posted 1/9/2011 6:28 PM (GMT -7)
Sable the A1C is a single test performed in a lab from a blood sample. It measure a person's average blood glucose reading from the previous couple of months.

What your A1C test results are saying is that your blood sugar has been about 50 points higher than normal, on average, everyday for the last 2-3 months.
Posted 1/15/2011 1:40 PM (GMT -7)
Sable, I am sure you will be able to use diet/exercise to bring your blood sugar down to normal.

I was diagnosed 11 years ago with A1C 7 and my current A1c 6. Did have it down to 5.9 for a year and it went up some. I have been able to control via diet/exercise only by omitting most starch/sweet foods and eating mostly lean meat and 2 green veggies (1/2 cup serving each) for lunch and dinner. I have 1/2 cup oatmeal with cottage cheese for breakfast. Walking 1-3 miles each day will go a long ways in helping lower your blood sugar level.

The best control is an "invisible zipper in closed position" across mouth when in presence of food other than measured portions on meal plate.

Good luck, know you can do it too.

Misty
Posted 1/18/2011 2:36 PM (GMT -7)
Sable, I'm on Medicare and my meter was free and my test strips are free, too.  Your doctor would have to write a prescription as to how many test strips you need over a three month period.  It really is worth it to take care of yourself with diabetes.  You want to keep it under control.  You are getting great advice here! 

 

Sherrine

Posted 1/18/2011 4:24 PM (GMT -7)
In order to control it by diet and exercise, like I do, is realy hard. First, you need to get your bloodtest kit (meter, strips, lancet), and Medicare and Medicaid does pay for it. Second, you test yourself 6 to 10 times a day. You go to a dietician (which Medicare/Medicaid will cover) and follow the instructions to a T. You test yourself before meals, you adjust the way you eat accordingly. Before and after excersizing you test your bloodsugar to make sure you can complete your exercising without danger. You have to keep a close eye to not get too high or too low, either one can give you serious consequences. You have to follow your plan that is made with your doctor, dietician and you, in order to make this work. And sometimes, you still can't get it where it needs to be and still need insulin or medication. You have to be really strict with yourself either way. That means no sweets, junkfood. You can in moderation, but then you have adjust your entire meal around it. Usually those on insulin, will just give themselves a little extra insulin. You don't have that choice when on diet. And this is what I do every day.
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