There is a 20+ point discrepancy in the Random Glucose - 102-106 and my home glucose tester - 78-84. I had a question about the lab values the first time it came out 106 and so I tested at home just before I went to the lab the next two time. (I borrowed my neighbors monitor.) I was told I didn't need to fast for the glucose test, but it was necessary for some other tests that were being done at the same time, so all testing was done fasting.

Any ideas why there would be such a discrepancy?

Thanks.

First, your blood glucose values can change in an instant and definitely changed from being home to going to the lab. Even if you dont eat hormones in the body help produce sugar too...2nd each meter is different w/their values. In fact, I was told by a meter rep to never test w/ 2 meters at the same time because you will see a difference...I cant remember the number range that they say is normal for meters to differ by but they do.

Thanks for that info on the meters. I was using a home monitor and the higher levels were from a blood draw at the lab. I understand that glucose fluctuates. The fact that the blood draw has been 20+ points higher is still confusing to me!

I guess I am wondering which levels I should pay attention to! Recently, I have been testing every day at home and find the levels in the morning range from 72-80. My doc is insistent that I am what she calls pre-diabetic and doesn't place any value on my readings, which I find rather odd. She refuses to do any other testing, which I find odd also. According to test result from other labs in the past, my glucose has never been over 90. (New doc and lab due to insurance, of course!)

This has turned into a rant, so sorry. I exercise, eat extremely well balanced meals and snacks. I'm wondering if the stress of getting my blood taken at this new docs lab can cause a rise in glucose. They never get it the first time and poke around three or more times. By the time they get the blood, I'm stressed! Is there a white coat needle effect?

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

Absolutely, stress raises blood sugar quick. If she is saying you are pre-diabetic than start checking your 2 hour after meal blood sugars. This is the first place you will see the problem. Diabetics should be under 140, non diabetics run on average under 120 2 hrs after meals. If you see its running 125s and above -watch your carbs...just by eating less carbs you can bring the numbers down.

Almonkey, that is wonderful advice....wanna be my doctor! I will do that and see what numbers I get. When you refer to carbs, all carbs? I get my carbs, to my understanding anyway, from veggies. I don't do sweets or white stuff! I got a bit indignant about this doctor! Of course, I don't want to mess around with a potentially dangerous BS, but as of now, I've not seen anything on my end!

Thanks again, I appreciate the ideas.

My rule is if you cant hunt it, raise it, or grow it, you shouldnt eat it. If you "have to have it" have half. The good carbs are from fruits & veggies. The more raw the better. Its all about the digestion and absorption. Rule of thumb for me is the more fiberous the fruit or veg the better. I eat a ton of apples, celery, and carrots steamed veggies- I like them a-la-dente. Your good to recognize the "white" stuff is bad. Unfortunately the bread in this country is just like pouring sugar down your throat. Even the wheat has been stripped of the fiber to make it have longer shelf life.

If the doc sees something this early be thankful. So many docs arent agressive enough and only the patient suffers in the long run! Im glad she got your attention. By changing your eating habits now, you might have just prevented ever needing anything more than that to keep the diabetes risk down and in check.