I recently had a physical and since diabetes runs in my family they ran a A1C on me. I think 6 was the cut off for being normal and mine came right in at 5.9, is this something to be worried about??

Ditto this question. I had an A1C value of 6.2. I have never had a fasting glucose over 100. Should I be concerned? What is the official test for diabetes? I do have some episodes of excessive hunger, but not necessarily daily. I urinate often, but I have had that problem for years so its hard for me to tell if it is worse now. My hand gets numb at night, but only on one side and my doctor attributed it to a disc problem in my neck (this is before the A1C test). I haven't lost any weight. I have had episodes of what I think is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) where I have a sensation of pounding in my chest (usually after I eat a heavy meal or have a drink). What should I do next?

][/FONT]According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, the goals for no-diabetics are as follows:

Before breakfast (fasting) 100 or less

Before lunch, dinner and snack: less than 110

Two hours after a meal: Less than 140

Bedtime: Less than 120

A1c: Less than 6.0

Ruth

Ditto Ruth.

Keep in mind that even if your fasting is ok, your post prandial (2 hours after the start of the meal) may be too high.

Cora

If your A1C is 5.9 - you are diabetic. NO MINCING WORDS HERE.

However, not to fret too much, you are not in real trouble yet

Lose a few pounds.
Exercise more (cardio vs. strength)
Eat better (lower your carbs)
Sleep more and well.
Drink more water! (Cut out caffeine)

And you will be ok for many years.

You are withing the range where if you take care of yourself, all will be good. If you don't however, all will not be good.

I personally am shocked that others haven't told you this already. (!)

~ Mark

~ Mark

Well according to the lab that is within the normal range and my doctor has said nothing about it.

More so,

Shame on Ruth and Cora.
(My heros here too...)

5.9 is not "boarderline".
It is indicative of a problem, a real one. And they well know that.

No one, and I mean no one hovers in that range. 5.9 is evidence that very soon you could be 6.5 or 7.3 or needing insulin to just live.

Like I said, you are not in real trouble yet, but sure headed for it. See below post, and I wish you well.

Sincerely, ~

Your doctor is yesterday's news.

I suppose you don't have to trust me here. You can do your own research. I have personally reviewed over 10,000 pages of scientific research on the topic. I live with the disorder myself. I can tell you with some depth that an A1C of 5.9 is reason for concern.

You have the ability to change now, and I hope you hear the message here.

~ Mark

Well according to the lab that is still considered normal and my Dr has never even mentioned it.

I am really not sure what you missed below.
I have only typed this to help you.

I don't know how old you are, actually, I don't know much.

BUT if you are younger than 60 with an A1C of 5.9, you need to be concerned.

Doctors aren't gods - they just play the role for most.

~ Mark

Well according to the lab that is still considered normal and my Dr has never even mentioned it.
An HBA1c of 5.9% corresponds to an average blood sugar of 133mg/dl during the preceding 3 months. That is far ftrom "normal". The "normal" range is 70-90 mg/dl. The fact that your fasting numbers are "normal" is not surprising. Fast blood sugar levels are the last to rise as your beta cells have the whole night to bring them down to normal.

Actually even my glucose was over the normal range. It was at 101. Let me ask this question. I started on Weight Watchers and lost over 38 lbs but really I eat a lot of sweet things with high carbs. My glucose as always been in the normal range but I have noticed ever since I have been on this diet my glucose levels have slowly crept up.

... I started on Weight Watchers and lost over 38 lbs but really I eat a lot of sweet things with high carbs. ... I have noticed ever since I have been on this diet my glucose levels have slowly crept up.
Mmmmm .... this is what high-carb eating tends to do .... Low-carb eating is much more suitable for controlling blood sugar levels. You also lose weight more easily eating this way.

I have stayed away from this issue for months, but ok, here goes.

If WW is the reason you lost weight, then I commend you. Losing weight is of utmost importance to the diabetic. But if you are still having blood sugar issues you need to:

Count carbs
Count calories
Test blood sugars regularly
And most importantly, choose your foods with thought, including timing.

And then drop all "programs" commercially designed for you to lose weight. Problem with those programs is they don't teach people how to actually eat. And that is MOST important. So while the weight loss is fantastic, the overall education you received is certainly not - and for you leading to troubles.

WW is a seemingly easy fix. True understanding is the long road, but will serve you much better regarding your health. WW is a business, being the number one concern, your dollar. This is fact.

There are many here who have walked your path, and we are here to help.

Sincerely,
~ Mark

Ditto what the last Mark said.

The thing to keep in mind is that if you are eating sweets (even within your point count and still losing weight) you are forcing your pancreas to shoot out significant amounts of insulin to try to keep your glucose maintained. You run the risk of wearing out your pancreas as well as increasing your insulin resistance. There is a world of difference betwwen the same number of calories/carbs in a twinkie versus a bowl of oatmeal or bran. There will be a huge difference in your body's response, and the twinkie (or whatever) will ultimately cause you damage.

Cora

I tend to agree with you because my glucose numbers have always been great until I started this diet. Its based on the number of points I eat a day although they do teach me to eat healthy and exercise so that much I give them credit for. They also tell me that I need 4 servings of fruits and veggies which I really never do. Instead I stock up on the WW sweets and just watch my points and thats getting me in trouble with the glucose levels because they contain lots of carbs. I can't blame it totally on WW's because like I said they are telling me to exercise and eat the right foods and I haven't really listened. However the WW's desserts are loaded with sugar and carbs.

I tend to agree with you because my glucose numbers have always been great until I started this diet. Its based on the number of points I eat a day although they do teach me to eat healthy and exercise so that much I give them credit for. They also tell me that I need 4 servings of fruits and veggies which I really never do. Instead I stock up on the WW sweets and just watch my points and thats getting me in trouble with the glucose levels because they contain lots of carbs. I can't blame it totally on WW's because like I said they are telling me to exercise and eat the right foods and I haven't really listened. However the WW's desserts are loaded with sugar and carbs.

WW desserts are a treat, and not a staple. See my previous post about what you are doing to yourself. I'm afraid you can't really blame the WW for the problems because if you stuck with the whole grains instead of the sweets your glucose levels would be better. Sorry.

Cora

Cora, you are right!! To be honest WW has said many times to eat sensibly. Although I have really benefited from losing the weight including my blood pressure being lowered, I am weak when it comes to the WW sweets. They now have a new product called Peanut butter bliss and wow I can't quit eating them.