Advice re Sugar Levels Please

Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Good Evening

I recently had blood tests carried out because I can not fight a reoccurring infection

I was advised that my sugar levels were high 6.4 and that my HBA1c Level was at 42

I have since been monitoring my levels and my fasting levels on average are anything from 114 to highest being 141.

They seem to level out throughout the day although my levels 2 hours after eating an Indian was 162 but more often than not they are about the 126 - 130 level after eating

Should I be concerned with these levels?

I am due to have another HBA1C test done at the end of April

My father is Type 2 Diabetic as is 3 of my Aunties. Is this genetic?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many Thanks in Advance
 

azure

Expert
Messages
9,780
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
But you're doing the day time tests? Your meter should be in mmol if you're in the UK.

It's those results that are in US units not the ones your doctor gave you. The doctor results are in the correct units. That's what confused me. It's hard to compare when you mix two units, and it could cause confusion. All meters sold in the UK should be in mmol.

Your HbA1C is just prediabetic, right on the border there (see my link) so hopefully you'll be able to improve that :)
 
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
But you're doing the day time tests? Your meter should be in mmol if you're in the UK.

It's those results that are in US units not the ones your doctor gave you. The doctor results are in the correct units. That's what confused me. It's hard to compare when you mix two units, and it could cause confusion. All meters sold in the UK should be in mmol.

Your HbA1C is just prediabetic, right on the border there (see my link) so hopefully you'll be able to improve that :)
Perfect, Thank you - I ran out of strips for my one touch meter so I used an old one I had (me bad). I will start with my correct machine tomorrow and record my readings. Thank you for. taking the time to reply xx
 
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Alison Campbell

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,443
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi @Tiffanysballoons, welcome to the forum from someone else with prediabetes.

Rather than being concerned, take action. You can get your numbers down and they maybe better when the infection is fully resolved. Tagging @daisy1 for some really helpful new member information for you.

Yes, sometimes there is a genetic factor to diabetes. Although I am the only type 2. My dad and his mother were diagnosed with a different type of diabetes.
 

Brunneria

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
21,889
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi @Tiffanysballoons and welcome!

:D

You asked if type 2 diabetes is genetic/hereditary.

And the answer is maybe. Which is probably not the answer you wanted. Sorry. :)

The thing is, although people know a great deal about the physical processes involved in diabetes, no one has yet pinned down why you can have two people, living similar lives, eating the same food, and one gets type 2 and the other doesn't. Basically, we are all unique little snowflakes. ;)

There is a lot of evidence suggesting that genetics play a huge part. But so do environmental factors, from pollution to chemical exposure... Some medications cause it, or make it more likely. Same with other medical conditions. And then there are the biggies - diet and exercise. And age. Type 2 typically happens to us as we age, and our bodies become less resilient and less tolerant of 'indulgences'.

So just because there is T2 in your family doesn't mean you will definitely develop T2. But it probably makes it more likely.

You seem like someone who is interested in tackling this responsibly, and there is every likelihood that (whether you are destined to get T2 or not), you could help your future health. And because you are still prediabetic, you have a bit more time, and a bit more leeway. No need to go hardcore low carb, or go overboard with exercise. Just a few sensible, sustainable diet changes, and a bit more activity, and it could have significant impact later. Especially if they are permanent changes. :)

Hope that helps.
 

daisy1

Legend
Messages
26,457
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Cruelty towards animals.
@Tiffanysballoons

Hello and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it helpful. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to reply.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 147,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why :)
  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I recently had blood tests carried out because I can not fight a reoccurring infection

Hello and welcome,

May I ask what type of medication you are on for your recurring infection? Certain medications are known to raise blood sugar levels, in particular steroids. In fact, infections themselves are known to cause a rise as our bodies are busy fighting them.
 
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Hello and welcome,

May I ask what type of medication you are on for your recurring infection? Certain medications are known to raise blood sugar levels, in particular steroids. In fact, infections themselves are known to cause a rise as our bodies are busy fighting them.
I have been taking 3 different types of Antibiotics, 1st ones were Amoxiclav, 2nd ones were Erythromycin and 3rd ones were
Phenoxymethylpenicillin xx
 
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
@Tiffanysballoons

Hello and welcome to the Forum :) Here is the Basic Information we give to new members and I hope you will find it helpful. Ask as many questions as you like and someone will be able to reply.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you'll find well over 147,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.

There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:
  • Reduce your carbohydrate intake
  • Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates
Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes.

Over 145,000 people have taken part in the Low Carb Program - a free 10 week structured education course that is helping people lose weight and reduce medication dependency by explaining the science behind carbs, insulin and GI.

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)
  • Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l
Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)
  • Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
  • 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l
However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

  • structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
  • self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic.

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

Take part in Diabetes.co.uk digital education programs and improve your understanding. They're all free.
  • Low Carb Program - it's made front-page news of the New Scientist and The Times. Developed with 20,000 people with type 2 diabetes; 96% of people who take part recommend it... find out why :)
  • Hypo Program - improve your understanding of hypos. There's a version for people with diabetes, parents/guardians of children with type 1, children with type 1 diabetes, teachers and HCPs.
Thank you very much for this information, very much appreciated
 

Bluetit1802

Legend
Messages
25,216
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I have been taking 3 different types of Antibiotics, 1st ones were Amoxiclav, 2nd ones were Erythromycin and 3rd ones were
Phenoxymethylpenicillin xx

There are some threads on this forum about antibiotics and raised blood sugar levels. Have a search in the search box and see if that may help. Your infections will almost certainly have caused raised levels. This is just a thought for you to consider.