Help me interpret my test results, my doctor isn't much help! - Diabetes Message Board

qsusieq · 06-22-2003, 05:44 PM

I need help interpreting the results of my tests for diabetes. I think my doctor is wrong!!!

I have the general symptoms of diabetes, so I asked my doctor to test me for diabetes. I have had chronic pancreatitis for the past 12 years, and have had 1/2 of my pancreas removed. When I started having those symptoms, I realized that I was probably now showing signs of diabetes, as my past doctors had warned me about because of pancreatitis. Seems reasonable. My Endo tested my blood sugar in his office, it was 179, so he wanted me to have fasting blood sugar tested. First time it was only 97, but the second time it was tested it was 125. So he sent me home with a glucose monitoring kit, and told me to get some blood sugar values 2 hours after eating, and also requested a blood test for AC1. I tested my blood sugar, which varied from 80 to 180, 5 out of 15 were higher than 170 to 180. I called my doctor and gave the results to his nurse. The nurse called me back and said I needed no treatment because my AC1 was great at 5.7. I mentioned my blood sugar values to her and she said she wasn't aware I was testing my blood sugar, but still the doctor said I didn't need treatment. I am confused. Aren't my blood sugar readings high? Are they supposed to be consistently high? Sometimes my 2hr readings are within normal range. And sometimes I can eat the exact same thing, and my blood sugar will me normal one time, and 180 the next. Anyway, I think my doctor is wrong, so I am plan to make an appointment with another physician, who will pay attention and help me. Personally, I think I have diabetes. If I don't, then I must be very sick with something else. Can anyone help me interpret these results?

Chaos247 · 06-22-2003, 08:28 PM

Your Hba1c is a test that gives them your average sugar over a period of usually 3 months. They want you to be a 7 or lower so your score was good. However blood sugars do fluctuate 2 hours after eating. Everyone goes to 170 180 etc.. but its the diabetics that do not come back down. A fasting of 125 or less is desirable and since you had that your doctor is satisfied that at this time you are not diabetic. You are right to worry since having the pancreatis. I am no doctor but your levels do look good for now. Some people think you have over 125 means diabetes but that is not always true. Some people get glucose intolerant before they have "diabetes" Some have it in the form of hypoglycemia some have normal readings then higher little later on with no explanation. The most important thing is that your sugar does regulate itself by going back down. Your pancreas (even though only half) is doing a very good job. That second opinion will probably help you alot at least make you feel better. I know it would make me feel better to hear another opinion.

qsusieq · 06-22-2003, 09:46 PM

Chaos

Strange.. I have been reading the other diabetes posts, and found that a reading as high as 180 is not normal, when tested two hours after a meal. All of my readings were taken 2 hours after eating. And I have also read that some diabetics do have a normal ACI, because they have high readings and low readings that "cancel" each other out which results in a normal ACI. And I have noticed that people have posted that a fasting glucose of 125mg/dl is considered diabetic. During an office visit with my doctor to interpret my fasting glucose results, he wanted to start treatment, because of my history with pancreatitis. And when he gave me the glucose monitoring kit to take home, he told me that a reading of 180 or higher would be something to watch for, again, because of my pancreatitis and partial whipple. So now I am even more confused because of varying comments/posts. I think I will try to find another physician. I appreciate your help!

horsejody · 06-23-2003, 07:29 AM

Readings of 180 are not normal. Nondiabetics may spike at 140 after a large meal, but not 180. If I were you, I would get a 2nd opinion from another doctor. The Hb1ac test does not tell the whole story. You may be having extreme lows that are skewing the results. Damage can occur at 160. 180 is too high.
Jody

qsusieq · 06-23-2003, 05:00 PM

Thank you so much Jody! You are absolutely right. Luckily my Endo had a cancellation at the last minute, so he was able to see me today. He said that the nurse did not give him my blood glucose results, so he had no idea. This was a failure of his office, which can be as detrimental as a careless physician, so I may still decide to get another doctor.

He said I am diabetic and prescribed Avandia to see if my blood sugar goes down. If not, he will try something else. At least it is being addressed.

Again, thank you Jody for writing back with good advice. Your support gave me confidence to question his initial diagnosis.