Just found out my blood sugar is high 300+.
8 months ago at the yearly check, all was well 121 non-fasting.
The HA1C also came back high.
No change in diet, except for more liquids through the summer....fruit juice & water. Does diabetes come on rapidly like this? Just went for bloodwork Saturday 11/26, so I'll know more this week....but I was curious.
The doc said it could be other problems, and don't chaange my diet drastically until he knows more. I cut backl on juice and sugars for right now.
Also lost abaout 20 lbs in the last month....
Just a little nervous.

perfect keep going!

Well, there may be something else causing a spike of over 300. However, a high A1c is an indicator of the last three months 'highs." Ahe A1c is a good indicator, along with the 300+ that you are type 2.

How fast does it come on? I have not seen anything that says this because the big problem with type 2 is the long time it takes to diagnose it. It slips under the wire for such a long time. Poeple have it but don't show the signs causing the tests required to diagnose. You mentioned 121 non fasting. That was not the test necessary to rule out pre-diabetes. Non diabetics do control their blood sugars very well. You did not say how long since you had eaten, which will give you some idea of what it should be if you are non-diabetic.

The only thing about "don't change your diet" idea is jsut about everybody agrees that most people would benefit by a diabetics diet. Diabetics do not eat strange things that would harm others - they eat a very well planned out diet that considers what their body needs, and no more.

I go to the doc once a year because of high blood pressure(which has been very stable), but of course he does the full physical(7 months ago). I always go after work, so meals would normally be about 4 hrs previous to drawing the blood.
Last 3 years sugar was 124/128/121 and he says an "in range" A1c. So I think he is just as surprised as I am. He wasn't really looking for diabetes....
Father's Grandfather had age onset(I'm 47), Mothers brother has diabetes(300+ lbs).
No other history.

Just got the call a little while ago, "very high" after 14 hr fasting(said he'll tell me the number when I see him)......going to see the doc Thursday. He already prepped me on the phone. Testing 4X a day, plus I'll have to control it....I'm hoping this means pills, not shots, but the number he suggested (like the insurance number 340) seems REALLY HIGH to me!

He said AGAIN......something doesn't seem right. Told me watch the sugar/carbs until I see him!

I realize the diet will actually be healthy for me and the family, but can the level be controlled by diet only? Or will pills for the rest of my life probably be the answer? I never heard of anyone coming OFF the pills....only getting worse to insulin!

This is hard to take when you like to be in control!!!!!

Great job on losing the weight. I hope that you can manage it with just oral meds.

I'd also suggest that you give up any sweetened drinks, like soda or sweet tea, and even juices. You're pretty much drinking sugar. One of the things I've learned in my education is that you should eat the fruit instead of having the juice. Your body has to work to break the fruit down, but the juice goes right through without much effort by your body.

There are also some studies that claim that taking cinnamon daily can help regulate and lower blood sugar. It might be something to look into.

wb

I am a little suprised that he did not suspect diabetes with the high blood pressure. As far as having to take insulin it is only a reality we all have in front of us. It, in itself, is not a tragedy. I feel like you, I don't want to progress to that stage either. Just one important thing. If you doctor feels taking insulin will help, DON'T second guess him and hold off. What happens with you hold off is your beta cells are being overworked trying to make enough insuliin. Bad thing for you when that is the case. You don't want to lose any beta cells if you can prevent it.

Can your reverse it? Well, they do talk about that if you control your blood sugars and weight very low. Controlling your blood sugars will reduce your weith(most cases) and also help lower your blood pressure. A lot of people do not believe that there is a relation between blood pressure and your blood sugar levels. You will be happy with the direction your blood tests(more than just blood sugar levels and blood pressure takes when you get your program going for a while. Medications will help get your numbers down as long as you exercise properly and eat correctly. All three things are important.

Oh, can it be reversed. The answer is yes for some people - you may not be one of those with the numbers you are getting - I don't know that. I believe it is more directed to the pre-diabetics out there. But, you can expect things to be better if you take complete control of you program.

Don't accept the "Your A1c is within range...." Know what it is. Learn the range and work towards the best you can expect. It is possibe to get down below the diabetic range with the correct approach. The ADA says an A1c below 7.0 takes you out of the danger range. You can get way down below that. Normal is in the mid 4's. You should be, at the most in the low 5's if you want to keep that control that you want. I suggest a lot of research. Look at what everybody has to say. I always suggest people google richard k bernstein. Read that and then research and compare what the others are saying. You will make up your mind depending what program you can pull off. If what you eat is more imporant than the risks you face then you will probably lean more to the ADA approach. You do get to eat more and to some that is very important. If you find the complications and not having control over your health more important - well,then you make the decision.

Thanks......I'll see what the future brings.

Update>>>
Doctor wanted me on pills....I do not want to take, so I am persuing diet/weight and alternative methods.
I take 1 GTF(Glucose tolerance formula) once a day and 1 "00" capsule of cinnamon 2x a day.
Less than 2 weeks after testing at 304, My blood sugar this morning was 169!
I am adding acupuncture to the mix next week, as well as trying to find time for daily exercise.
After meals, I am testing at 200, but I have not gotten the hang of balancing the foods yet. The Glycimic load of the foods is something I am working on.
I did find pasta drives up the sugar the worst(boxed mac & cheese seems to be the worst), but of course all the boxed stuff is bad.

I think Monday I will start tracking actual meal plan on a daily basis.

Update>>>
Doctor wanted me on pills....I do not want to take, so I am persuing diet/weight and alternative methods.
I take 1 GTF(Glucose tolerance formula) once a day and 1 "00" capsule of cinnamon 2x a day.
Less than 2 weeks after testing at 304, My blood sugar this morning was 169!
I am adding acupuncture to the mix next week, as well as trying to find time for daily exercise.
After meals, I am testing at 200, but I have not gotten the hang of balancing the foods yet. The Glycimic load of the foods is something I am working on.
I did find pasta drives up the sugar the worst(boxed mac & cheese seems to be the worst), but of course all the boxed stuff is bad.

I think Monday I will start tracking actual meal plan on a daily basis.

I would only suggest you research diet more. Pasta, bread, potatoes will drive you up too much no matter how you eat them.

I suggest you google Richard Bernstein. He has a great site(s) where you can get a good education on your own. I doubt very few people can actually follow his plan, but heading that way is positive. It is not easy to change your eating habits.

Took one of Bernsteins books out of the library....VERY INFORMATIVE!
I am following the diet as closely as possible and have dropped sugar levels to <140 on a consistent basis.
I haven't started the regular exercise yet, but will. Also lost about 36lbs since problem started, but that still keeps me on the high side for my height....10 more lbs would get me to 'optimum' weight....hate that I lost all over instead of just the trunk, but hopefully anaerobic workouts will bring arm/leg size back!
Acupuncture is starting today 12/14....unfortunately there is only one noticeable problem related to the high sugar....my eyes are VERY blurry.....had to get reading glasses just to see computer, and now distance is also fuzzy.....guess a trip to opthomologist is next!
I don't fit the Chinese medicine symptoms for diabetes, but will be getting general points stimulated to be certain all is working as best possible!

Amazing how many products on the store shelves are full of sugars that state"sugar free", as well as the high carb content of foods I never imagined being that way.

As a side note, blood pressure has dropped to a level that medicine may have to be lessened or stopped, so maybe this was a warning that I needed to take care of myself.

I'll keep updating as long as anyone is interested. LOL

Congrats! If everyone would take the same steps as you, there would be a lot less people w/ diabetes that were out of control. Im sure you are feeling better than you have in a long time! You should be commended for your agressiveness!

If you haven't yet, go see a Registered Diabetic Educator and sign up for classes. Another good book is by Gretchen Becker called, Type 2 Diabetes, the first year.

Regular acupuncture seems to help the sugar levels. Now down to <110 morning reading every day! Once or twice <100!!! YEA!
Also having the eye points stimulated and can now read again without glasses..... :)

I recommend anyone that is borderline to give this a try.

Keeping the carbs low is definately the greatest factor.....Strayed once or twice and the sugar jumps up(pizza and chinese are the worst :eek: ).....even more so than eating sugars.
I have found some low carb/low sugar products to snack on....just a new way of eating!

Supplements I am taking....
Glucose Tolerance Factor(GTF) sold in local health food stores.
1 "00" capsule of cinnamon 2X a day (about 1/4 teaspoon)
Lotrel(for high blood pressure) that seems to need to be lowered in dosage due to the weight loss.

I am going to try a Chinese herbal supplement next week that my brother(The acupuncturist) found studies on that seems to help....

As an additional bonus, my sleep apnea seems to be better...no snoring without my CPAP machine!!!

I'll keep you all posted......And thanks again for the support along the way! :wave:

All the experts say no fruit juice. It's just sugar quickly entering your blood stream.

Tonys, I'm just curious, what is the herbal supplement that you mentioned and have you started taking it yet? And has it helped?

("I am going to try a Chinese herbal supplement next week that my brother(The acupuncturist) found studies on that seems to help....").

Thanks!

How does the Glucose Tolerance Supplement help with the Diabetes?
Judith

Please read and follow the posting rules.

Tonys, I'm just curious, what is the herbal supplement that you mentioned and have you started taking it yet? And has it helped?

Please check with a Chibese Herbologist before trying ANY herbal........

But this is what I currently take(4 pills 3X daily)
Jade Spring Pills (Yu Quan Wan) is good for the Kidneys, Lung and Spleen. Relieves thirst and regulates appetite.Traditionally used to regulate blood sugar levels. Use up to 8 pills 3 times per day. Contains: Trichosanthes, Pueraria, Codonopsis, Astragalus, Poria, Rehmannia, Ophiopogon, Prunus mume, Schisandra, Glycyrrhiza.


Glucose Tolerance Factor(GTF) Chromium is a mineral that is necessary for impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, promotion of weight loss, acne, stimulates enzymes in metabolism of energy, healthy blood circulatory system, synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and protein.

After lots of research, I found you need a GTF that is bio-engineered....Twinlabs brand is!