Question About Blood Glucose

[WIP]

About six years ago I was diagnosed with type II diabetes so I was started on a prescription of Metformin and attended some classes to learn how to live with diabetes. Over the course of the next few months through changes in my diet and exercise I lost about 30 pounds and my blood glucose levels came under control enough that I was able to stop taking the medication. My A1C has been between 5.1 and 5.6 ever since.

Lately, however, I have reason to believe that my average glucose levels have been increasing. I've determined this by testing my blood. In a couple weeks I'm scheduled for a regular medical checkup so I requested that we also include a blood test to verify my A1C to see if things are as I suspect.

In the mean time, I've been doing some additional research on my own and noticed something a little odd. Most of the information I read seems to indicate a different standard for blood glucose levels and I don't understand why. In a nutshell the preferred target for blood glucose levels at various times throughout the day is about 30-40 points higher for diabetics than non-diabetics. This is strange. Wouldn't it make sense that the target should be the same for both groups? If not, why the difference?

Thoughts?

 

[Michael74]

I'm thinking a safety factor. The danger of diabetics going into a coma due to lack of blood sugar.

Non diabetic's bodies naturally change the amount of hormones in their system to prevent too low blood sugar. When using meds to control blood sugar, there is a danger that the meds will continue eliminating sugar long after blood sugar has dipped into dangerous territory.

 

[WIP]

The implication is that blood sugar levels up to 40 points higher than desired target are not dangerous then. Is this correct?

 

[ezra]

The implication is that blood sugar levels up to 40 points higher than desired target are not dangerous then. Is this correct?

they prefer the A1C be no more than 7.0 --5.1 to 5.6 is great ..i am diabetic i go for a1c next month .best thing to do is check your blood sugar each morning to see how your doing http://antyradar.info/a1c-levels-chart/ anything around 120 or lower is good the 100 range is a blood sugar controlled great .with high blood sugar were talking out of the ball park over 200 a1c can lead to eye problems lead to blindness affect the kidneys cause heart problems.on wounds they have a hard time healing. your feet must be protected .some have lost toes a foot even a leg infection sets in .high blood sugar keeps infection going .diet and exercise is your best friend . get out and walk drink water .main thing follow your doctors advice

 

[WIP]

Even with my A1C as low as it has been, my morning glucose test has always been one of the highest throughout the day.....until recently. That is why I am suspecting things may not be in control as they once were.

Back in July, 2012, I went in for my usual semi-annual check-up and my doctor noted that my blood glucose test was a "little elevated" and he commented that we will need to keep an eye on it. I'm guessing he saw it as possibly pre-diabetic since it was the first time my glucose levels had been recognized as a possible concern. Six months later in February my glucose level was near 350 and that is when I was diagnosed with type II diabetes and prescribed Metformin. My blood sugar levels began to drop and by Labor day of that year I was able stop taking the Metformin and my glucose has remained in control ever since.

At that time I also noticed that I was experiencing numbness in my feet and when I asked my doctor if it was related to my diabetes, he said, "Not likely. It usually takes a few years of high sugar levels to cause that kind of damage." He referred me to a neurologist and after some testing he confirmed that it was in fact damage as a result of my diabetes. To this day it is not comfortable for me to walk barefoot. I need something on my feet, either slippers or loose fitting shoes. I can no longer tolerate wearing cowboy boots or any tight-fitting shoes.

Diabetes damage can set in fast and that is why I want to be sure things are controlled.

 

[ezra]

At that time I also noticed that I was experiencing numbness in my feet and when I asked my doctor if it was related to my diabetes, he said, "Not likely. It usually takes a few years of high sugar levels to cause that kind of damage." He referred me to a neurologist and after some testing he confirmed that it was in fact damage as a result of my diabetes. To this day it is not comfortable for me to walk barefoot. I need something on my feet, either slippers or loose fitting shoes. I can no longer tolerate wearing cowboy boots or any tight-fitting shoes.

that is common with diabetics ..what is your reading in the morning on your meter ? the a1c takes and gives a verage of what your numbers are.that is what the doctor goes by .through ,y job at Briggs stratton we have a clinic i pay $5.00 see a doc. briggs pays for all my medicine for diabetic . i take one 500 Metformin in the morning and 2 at night ..i am surprised at your Doctor not thinking it was related . serious get out walk i also get counsel services once a year with a diabetic nurse specialist . she tells watch my carbs get out out walk i go to a gym lift weights and do a tread mill .i have bursitis in my hip and times hard to walk. but if i push my self i do about 10- 15 min walk. my counselor tells me that is just as good as medicine ,, this is a good web page to keep handy i get email from them http://www.diabeticconnect.com/ give it a look over.. protect your feet any sores that acts like they dont want heal right get to the doctor .you can get diabetic shoes that are mad exactly for your feet .but they run over a hundred dollars.. they make a mold of your feet and are designed for your feet

 

[Michael74]

The implication is that blood sugar levels up to 40 points higher than desired target are not dangerous then. Is this correct?

No, the implication is that hypoglycemia is far more dangerous than 100 to 140. Studies have demonstrated that setting a goal of 100 can lead to adverse consequences that outweigh benefits in some patients. Diabetic meds can be very dangerous. Varies by individual though. The goal will be individually tailored by a person's physician based upon factors such as how long a person has had the condition, how old they are, etc...

Its generally best to do what your doctor tells you to. Get a 2nd opinion if you want to, but don't play around with those particular meds. They can be outrageously dangerous if not used properly.

 

[ezra]

your best off taking to your doctor..he will run a A1C make his decision on meds or find a reg diabetic specialist