I have Hypothydoidism, which of course effects metabolism. I'm having a hard time dealing with all the symptoms, and I am wondering if I should be taking steps to rule out a few other things, that may also be issues for me. I have had symptoms that are effected by eating (or not eating).

I was told by my Doc that I certainly do not have Diabetes, because my fasting glucose levels were 85 on one occasion, and 92 on another.

I would guess the only true measure is the several hour glucose tollerance test. But would anyone here suggest that I take the time and expense to do that test, even though my fasting levels are ok?

Your fasting numbers may be but have you tested 2 hrs. after a meal to see what foods are doing to you.

Another test would be the A1C blood test which gives an average of glucose level over the past 3 months.

The glucose tolerance test would be the best way to determine whether you have a problem or not.

I've never tested anything sugar-wise, except for fasting glucose, just as a mater of non-specific testing.

Thyroid disorders can cause all sorts of issues, including sugar. The Docs tend to think prognosis is excellent with one little pill, and continued symptoms may be additional health isseus. I don't have the classic Diabetes symptoms, but it would be good to rule some of these things out.

I don't want to spend a lot of time and money chasing every condition know to man. But as one person here stated - my Doctor's an idiot if he says I definitely do not have Diabedes, based on a fasting glucose level.

So I'm thinking of buying a glucose monitor, and testing myself 1 and 2 hours after meals for a few days, and see if anything is out of normal there. I have two questions:

1. If those are not too expensive, what types are best for this "ruling out" exersize?

2. I those levels look good, is that enough evidence to "within reason", rule this out, knowing it's not absolute?

Glucometers have never been cheaper. You will see that they can cost around $50-$100 initially but then they have cash back offers and rebates that can put them down to less than $20 total.

Different people will recommend different models but they all work just the same. I personally, recommend a plasma monitor as the labs measure the plasma and your blood sugar will correlate with what the lab shows. I use a One Touch Ultra which is a plasma meter and I love it.

The results should show your Dr what is going on. I would recommend a fasting and then 1-2 hours after every meal. Some people do "Carb busting" where they try to eat a very high simple carb meal to push the blood sugar up for the purpose of diagnosis. It does the trick.

Good luck to you and I hope you get to feeling better

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Mindy
Take your self esteem and own it, lest you spend your entire life searching for it in other people

[This message has been edited by Mommyof4 (edited 10-29-2003).]

Thanks Mindy,
I'll pick one up tonight and see what readings I get.

It is well worth your time to take the oral glucose tolerance test. A number of studies have found it is more predictive than the morning fasting test.



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Ron

Type 2, diagnosed Feb 01, Prandin (GlucoNorm), Diet & Exercise

Thanks all for you help. I did purchase a meter, and test after several meals. Generally at one hour I get into the 120s, then at 2 hours, back down to 90s or just over 100. I did have one large pasta meal that went:
83 before
147 1 hour
120 2 hours
137 3 hours
120 4 hours

That is not the usual though.

So I'm assuming this is normal enough not to go for the full GTT.

Looks great to me!! Most pasta contains simple carbs that can wreak havoc on your blood sugar. Since the glucometer tests withing a range, it looks great. You saw the spike and then saw your numbers go down.

I agree that a GTT probably isnt needed. I would check it on occasion and enjoy life :D

The readings would not suggest diabetes. However, the three hour number unless it was less than accurate is a bit of a concern. Does not seem to merit an OGTT. Have you taken the screening test at the link below? It is free!


http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/screeningtest.htm

Thanks all.

I did take the online test, but then, I have Hypothyroid, witch has some similar symptoms, such as the fatique.