Prediabetes

[GEORGEP]

Originally Posted by toy2boy

I would force them to order an A1C test - that will tell you if you are even boarderline troubled.

I would bet that you are not.

My A1C was 5.7.. Is that normal??

[tb68]

It's not too bad.

Sorry, that is pretty vague. Let me explain a bit.

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes and given 2 medications
to "handle" it - my A1C for that diagnosis was 6.1.

The ADA states that anything under 7.0 is ok, but under 6.0 is
NOT diabetic. It is highly touted that 5.7 - 6.0 is pre-diabetic.

However, if you read the studies it is very clear to see that
the average "normal healthy" person will be in the upper 4 range!

Studies seem to indicate that the difference from 4.7 - 5.7 is
an increase of four (4) fold for some serious health risks.

Ok, all said. Your numbers are COMPLETELY controllable by
diet and excercise!! I don't know what you weigh, but if you
lost 10 lbs alone, your numbers would drop significantly. Or
if you add say 3x30 minutes of cardio a week, your numbers
will drop.

5.7 is nothing to overly worry about, but it's time to get a
little busy. The odds of someone becoming diabetic within
10 years of being pre-diabetic are roughly 90%. So, you want
to bring that A1C below 5.0 which is well within your grasp I
assure you.

Oh, and for the record, before your doctors and the media
get to you entirely - I recommend low carb, high protein,
high fiber (from foods only), and mid fat (NO low fat!!).

And if you are curious why the ADA and most doctors
would say you are just fine with 5.7? It's because the diabetes
drugs alone in the USA are a 40+ BILLION DOLLAR industry!!

Sorry this was so long. Wish you great success!

(In 4 months or proper diet, my A1C is now 5.1 WITH NO MEDICATIONS!)
~ Mark

[GEORGEP]

Originally Posted by toy2boy

It's not too bad.

Sorry, that is pretty vague. Let me explain a bit.

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes and given 2 medications
to "handle" it - my A1C for that diagnosis was 6.1.

The ADA states that anything under 7.0 is ok, but under 6.0 is
NOT diabetic. It is highly touted that 5.7 - 6.0 is pre-diabetic.

However, if you read the studies it is very clear to see that
the average "normal healthy" person will be in the upper 4 range!

Studies seem to indicate that the difference from 4.7 - 5.7 is
an increase of four (4) fold for some serious health risks.

Ok, all said. Your numbers are COMPLETELY controllable by
diet and excercise!! I don't know what you weigh, but if you
lost 10 lbs alone, your numbers would drop significantly. Or
if you add say 3x30 minutes of cardio a week, your numbers
will drop.

5.7 is nothing to overly worry about, but it's time to get a
little busy. The odds of someone becoming diabetic within
10 years of being pre-diabetic are roughly 90%. So, you want
to bring that A1C below 5.0 which is well within your grasp I
assure you.

Oh, and for the record, before your doctors and the media
get to you entirely - I recommend low carb, high protein,
high fiber (from foods only), and mid fat (NO low fat!!).

And if you are curious why the ADA and most doctors
would say you are just fine with 5.7? It's because the diabetes
drugs alone in the USA are a 40+ BILLION DOLLAR industry!!

Sorry this was so long. Wish you great success!

(In 4 months or proper diet, my A1C is now 5.1 WITH NO MEDICATIONS!)
~ Mark

I have lost 15 pounds since October. I eat alot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc.. I exercise every day. I walk on my treadmill for 45 minutes 5 times a week and I do light strength training on the other two days. I do have mild hypertension and take medication but it is under very good control with pressures of 105/65 as an average. My medication does have a diuretic in it and I am wondering if maybe that could raise glucose levels? I am not obese but could stand to maybe lose another 5 or 10 pounds at the most.

[tb68]

George, that sound pretty darn good. Now I don't know the timing of all this - but something tells me that your A1C is on the way down.

How long have you been on the blood pressure meds? The reason I ask is because you sound a great deal like me. I was prescribed 2 meds for blood pressure, and 2 meds for blood sugars at the same time. I lost 22 lbs in about 2 months and weaned off all 4 meds and my numbers are very good. I wonder if you can wean off the blood sugar meds? Your 'average' numbers seem very good, even a bit on the acceptable low side. (At minimum, ask your doctor if you can start reducing the diuretic soon).

The diuretic will have affect on your blood sugars, how much I don't know, and it depends on a variety of characteristics. Make certain that you are getting plenty enough water, all day. And as a side note, might want to eliminate caffeine too.

[GEORGEP]

Originally Posted by toy2boy

George, that sound pretty darn good. Now I don't know the timing of all this - but something tells me that your A1C is on the way down.

How long have you been on the blood pressure meds? The reason I ask is because you sound a great deal like me. I was prescribed 2 meds for blood pressure, and 2 meds for blood sugars at the same time. I lost 22 lbs in about 2 months and weaned off all 4 meds and my numbers are very good. I wonder if you can wean off the blood sugar meds? Your 'average' numbers seem very good, even a bit on the acceptable low side. (At minimum, ask your doctor if you can start reducing the diuretic soon).

The diuretic will have affect on your blood sugars, how much I don't know, and it depends on a variety of characteristics. Make certain that you are getting plenty enough water, all day. And as a side note, might want to eliminate caffeine too.

I was diagnosed with hypertension about 4 years ago. I took Lisinopril, and the had bad side effects so I was switched to Diovan and that lowered it for awhile but not consistently. I had numbers all over the place and eventually they were getting higher again. I take BENICAR HCT 10/25 and I have readings ranging from 95/60 to 110/70. I drink alot of water all day and I only have two cups of coffee in the morning. I saw my doctor recently and my bp at his office was 122/65. It is always higher there and lower at home. I have no history of diabetes in my family but I just don't want to end up with that problem. Hypertension does run in my family. I think the weight loss has helped also. I was not obese or anything but my doctor had advised me to lose 10 pounds and I lost 15 just by watching what and how much I eat. I never used to pay attention to portion sizes but I do now. I have to see my doctor again in a few months and I am going to ask him about changing my dosage. I take the highest dosage available for the Benicar HCt so maybe he will lower it. I told him about the low readings and he said as long as I was not tired or dizzy that the lower the bp the better.