Hi all,
Can someone tell me what is considered a bad level for glucose reading? My dr. has been monitering my levels. Thought all was ok. Then yesterday there was a message on my answer machine that my glucose reading was elevated. It was in the 120 range. Is that slightly elevated or highly elevated? Message said to get three fasting glucose test at the lab during the next two weeks. Should I be worried? Diabetes runs in my fathers side of the family. I want toprevent this if possible. Any suggestions or advie appreciated.
Brenwill

Can someone, anyone give me some input? I was young when my family members passed away, so all I remember is the shots, loss of vision and foot and leg removals. I know next to nothing about what the readings mean or how to prevent things from getting worse. Thank you!
brenwill

Can someone, anyone give me some input? I was young when my family members passed away, so all I remember is the shots, loss of vision and foot and leg removals. I know next to nothing about what the readings mean or how to prevent things from getting worse. Thank you!
brenwill

Brenwill,
Was this 120-range reading a fasting blood glucose? If so, it may be that you are developing T2 diabetes. Your doctor will do the 3 fasting tests to determine where you are.

Nowadays, 100-125 is considered "glucose intolerant", "insulin resistant" or "pre-diabetic" (they all mean basically the same thing.) At that stage, you'd be advised on diet and exercise, and to keep an eye on things to make sure it doesn't progress. If you get at least 2 fasting blood glucose levels of 126 or greater, then you are considered to have T2 diabetes. Even then, diet and exercise may be all you need to control it. If that doesn't work, there are great new medications nowadays that can keep your blood glucose in control while preserving your pancreas' function.

As for complications, there was a study done about 10 years ago called the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) which proved that tight control minimizes complications. We have many tools today to help us achieve tight control, foremost among them the blood glucose monitor, which enables us to monitor our blood glucose levels on a daily basis. Along with BGM's, we have many new medications, and even new types of insulin.

All type 2's are NOT created the same...some are more severe than others, some progress more quickly than others. However, with careful management and dedication to keeping those glucose levels down, you should definitely be able to avoid complications such as vision problems, circulatory and nerve problems, etc. I have been diabetic for 22 years, and I have only one very minor complication which is neither life nor limb threatening.

At this stage, you need a diagnosis, education, and dedication to learning to live well with it if, in fact, you are diabetic. Take it one step at a time, and feel free to ask more questions as you go along.

Keep us posted, Brenwill.

Ruth

Hi Ruth,
Thank you so much for your reply and information. Yes, the 120 range was a fasting glucose test. I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago with pnuemonia. I was severely dehydrated, so I am hoping that had something to do with the high levels. Who knows? I'll know more I guess after I do the three tests during the next 2 weeks. At least you gave me hope that there is life after diabetes. I appreciate you taking time to answer my question. Will keep you posted after I have the other tests.
brenwill

Brenwill,
Dehydration can definitely affect the numbers.

Will look forward to hearing the results of your fasting bg tests. Hope they're fine, but if not, you would at worst be in the "pre-diabetic" stage, I think.

Ruth

Thanks Ruth.
Brenwill

Can someone tell me what is considered a bad level for glucose reading?

Keep in mind that blood sugar readings change during
the day. Eat a candy bar, the reading can go higher, then
drops again later. Don't eat for a long time, it can be low.
If you were to test yourself using one of those simple
glucose monitors, you would probably get a different
reading if you tested yourself every 15 minutes of the day.