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Is A Person Diabetic If Fasting Sugar Reading Shows 108 Mg/dl?
Question: I have tested prediabetic twice in the last few years at my annual exams. I've been trying to cut back on the sugar I love, but won't have my next A1C until May, so I was pleased to receive a glucosometer from my daughter. My fasting had been 92 to 98. This morning I walk-jogged about three miles before testing, bringing my fasting to nearly 12 hours. I expected a low reading, but it was a frightening 108!
How much should I worry?
How much should I worry?
Brief Answer:
Please recheck
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM. Noted the query.
Well, your fasting period was slightly longer and that could have pushed the glucose levels up. The normal fasting is at around 8 hours and definitely not more than 10 hours. If it exceeds that time what happens is the liver begins to release the glucose stored in it for body functions and so you may see a slightly higher glucose level. Secondly, glucometers are not fool-proof. There is an accepted error margin of about 10%. So especially in prediabetes its not indicated for use.
I would suggest you get a 75 gm glucose tolerance test done. That has the best sensitivity to diagnose diabetes/pre diabetes. In pre diabetes one sees the post glucose levels often in the diabetes range when checked with a glucose tolerance test. If that is the case, you will need to rearrange your lifestyle with increased vigor and consider medications.
May I remind you that pre diabetes is a golden oppurtunity for change. 25% patients go back to normal range, 50% remain pre diabetic and 25% proceed to become diabetic in 5 yrs. Pre diabetes is a risk factor for all complications of diabetes including heart disease.
As of now I would say not to worry much about your values. Just proceed with a good lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise (to the best of your ability) and do a GTT test with a Hba1c in the next 3 months or so.
We can take it from there then. Take care. Wishing your good health. Warm regards.
Please recheck
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM. Noted the query.
Well, your fasting period was slightly longer and that could have pushed the glucose levels up. The normal fasting is at around 8 hours and definitely not more than 10 hours. If it exceeds that time what happens is the liver begins to release the glucose stored in it for body functions and so you may see a slightly higher glucose level. Secondly, glucometers are not fool-proof. There is an accepted error margin of about 10%. So especially in prediabetes its not indicated for use.
I would suggest you get a 75 gm glucose tolerance test done. That has the best sensitivity to diagnose diabetes/pre diabetes. In pre diabetes one sees the post glucose levels often in the diabetes range when checked with a glucose tolerance test. If that is the case, you will need to rearrange your lifestyle with increased vigor and consider medications.
May I remind you that pre diabetes is a golden oppurtunity for change. 25% patients go back to normal range, 50% remain pre diabetic and 25% proceed to become diabetic in 5 yrs. Pre diabetes is a risk factor for all complications of diabetes including heart disease.
As of now I would say not to worry much about your values. Just proceed with a good lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise (to the best of your ability) and do a GTT test with a Hba1c in the next 3 months or so.
We can take it from there then. Take care. Wishing your good health. Warm regards.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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