high readings --no meds---A1C is below 6 - Diabetes Message Board

twokatss · 06-26-2003, 09:45 AM

My DR does not want to put me on meds yet even tho my reading are somwtimes very high. 10 to 12. Or in USA 180 to 204. He says the A1C is very normal and that is fine. Should I insist on meds? Also in the morning I have a high reading after fasting all night----usually around 10 (180) or a bit less. He told me that a lot of people have this problem and during the night I am probably experiencing lows. HHHMMMM
Also when I test 1 1/2 to 2 hours after eating my readings are between 7 and 11 (126 and 198). He said that is good too. After 2 hours they do ususally drop to 6 or 7. (108-126) . Do you people think this is all normal stuff or should I insist on some meds????? I AM WORRIED!!!!!

Chaos247 · 06-26-2003, 10:23 AM

You should be worried. Sorry to be so blunt but a doctor that relies on an A1c that heavily is scaring me. I used to think that number was the only one that mattered but have since found out you should never go over 140 eating or otherwise if you are a non diabetic. A reading of 120 or around usually most doctors will investigate more too. An A1c can get messed up if you are having lows at night. Mixed with your highs can make a false A1c score, that is why your doctor should be least concerned about that number and worry about that 180 and 204!! That is diabetic readings!!! Most doctors treat diabetes that had a 2 hr glucose of above 120 after eating or the glucose test and almost all doctors will treat at your levels (180 is way too high). You are in the stages of glucose intolerance which will turn into full blown diabetes without any help. Then again I think I would consider you diabetic with that 204 reading. Other doctors consider you diabetic now. This is defined by a 2 hr blood glucose test of 140-199 which you had 200 or more reading at ANY time IS diabetes, someone even said they are dropping that number to 180 and above being diagnosed with diabetes. I would find another doctor and fast. What your doctor doesn't know will hurt you in this case. Good luck to you!!

[This message has been edited by Chaos247 (edited 06-26-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Chaos247 (edited 06-26-2003).]

horsejody · 06-26-2003, 11:15 AM

Some pepole can control their diabetes with diet and exercise. Has your doctor given you a diet plan, told you to exercise or told you to lose weight? Some people try the diet and exercise method first, then the meds if it is not dramatically improved. Has your doctor discussed anything like that with you? If not, I would get a new doctor.
Jody

SamQKitty · 06-26-2003, 08:55 PM

It sounds as if the reason your doctor may not be putting you on meds is that you are apparently experiencing some lows already, and he may be concerned that medication will cause you to be frequently low, or to have such severe lows that you would need to be treated for them. Also, if you experience a lot of lows, you then have to treat them with carbs, and that can cause weight gain.

However, I do agree that he should be spending more time on educating you as to how to treat your diabetes. You are definitely having a lot of significantly high readings along with those lower readings, which isn't good. I would ask for a referral to a registered dietician to determine a good diet plan for yourself.

I would also continue to test frequently, both fasting and 2 hours after meals, and keep a log of the readings so you can detect patterns. You may need to adjust your meals or add exercise.

Kre · 06-27-2003, 03:46 PM

You need to find a doctor who is "interested" in managing your daibetes. Start looking now, because the one you have is not using his brain.

You, need to test before and after meals and during the night. Yes, during the night, around 2 or 3 a.m. to see if you are going "low" and then the liver kicking in before morning.

Testing before meals will let you know if you have dropped low between meals. Best to eat several mini meals during the day in order to keep BS on a level playing ground. Spikes and drops are not healthy for us.

Best to aim for the non-diabetic range of BS but many are not able to achieve that. However, we can all do our best to get as close as possible.