need some answers and help - Diabetes Message Board

donner777 · 06-24-2003, 03:22 PM

hi; i've been recently diagnosed with diabetes. i am on medicaid and had to wait 6 weeks to get a meter etc. over a 7 day period; i checked my blood 25 times and the total averaged out to 85.5. i have tried to call the physician's assitant who diagnosed me but i can't get them to call me back; so i will ask the board is this a good average? what is my ultimate goal literally day to day. i'm on 2mg of amaryl and 2,000mg of glucophage daily. i'm almost 51 and have a myriad of other health issues so i am asking for any help or assistance you all can give me.

Chaos247 · 06-24-2003, 03:52 PM

That is pretty smart to average your combined readings but I do not know if that would be a true barometer of how you are doing. That would be similar to an at home A1c. That is what it does is take your sugars over a period of time and averages them. Some doctors and patients don't have much faith in those average readings. What is your sugar (fasting) in the mornings? Do you take your sugar 2 hours after eating? I guess I should ask how your doctor told you to check it and how often. It would seem you are responding well to this treatment though to even get an 80s average. I am no expert at this diabetes thing despite having it 7 years. I am still learning every day.

Oops I forgot to answer your question. They would really love for you to be 70-95 in the morning upon fasting and would like you to be as close to the total 70-120 range as possible eating and otherwise. Some doctors vary on these totals as I have learned some doctors treat people for diabetes for fastings of 95 and 125 because they had a spike of 180 2 hours after eating so a good question to ask your doctors assistant next time you get a chance, is to ask what levels they want you at this point since it does vary patient to patient and would depend on what your beginning sugar level was to make them start treating you. I was in the 300 average when diagnosed. Meds has brought me to a 127 at this point. That might help give you an idea.

[This message has been edited by Chaos247 (edited 06-24-2003).]

donner777 · 06-24-2003, 06:50 PM

thank you very much for the info. i'm happy that i found this forum because i can get feedback and answers that i need to know. my blood sugar was 350 fasting at time of my diagnosis. i wish all of the members well and it helps knowing there's a "support" group. i realize more and more that diabetes is such an individual thing and we all have to do what we think is best course to take. thanks again

SamQKitty · 06-24-2003, 10:55 PM

The problem with averaging your meter readings is that you are not constantly testing, so it is not comparable to an HbA1c.

Also, you didn't say when you're doing your tests. To get a good reading of how you're doing on a day-to-day basis, you might want to try the following schedule for a week:
Fasting
2 hours after breakfast
before lunch
2 hours after lunch
before dinner
before bedtime

That will give you a good idea of the patterns of your blood glucose. Of course, if you eat at dramatically different times, or dramatically different quantities, you have to factor that in.

Once you look at the pattern, you can then do some of those tests a couple of times a week; stick with the fasting, before dinner and before bedtime on a daily basis, though.

Yes, diabetes can vary a lot from individual to individual, but there are many things about it that are common to most diabetics, which is why these message boards can be so helpful.

Chaos247 · 06-24-2003, 10:59 PM

TO SAMQ--you are right. Now that I think of it it really would not be comparable. I was just thinking along the lines of taking numbers and averaging them.
I cannot add any more advice you have given great advice as always!!

TO DONNER777--Good luck and welcome to the board!! Keep us posted on how you are doing!!!