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Not sure if my results are correct

mikejj

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Hi, Last week I was told that the results of my recent blood test showed a level of 48 thingamybobs which is classed as Type 2 Diabetes. My GP referred me to the Diabetic Nurse who much to my relief did not want to stick yet another rusty old needle into my arm. She explained exactly what this meant and said I should have a second test in about two week and this would confirm whether I do in fact I have Tate and Lyle running through my veins and was in fact Type 2, but......

I have had high Cholesterol for many years and have been on Statins for about 15 years. I have had regular blood tests every six months during that time and maintained an acceptable Cholesterol level throughout that time. Almost two years ago, I had a bit of a shock when I had 3 TIAs in one week the end result of which was an immediate admission to hospital for an emergency Carotid Endarterectomy as I had an 80% blockage in my left carotid artery. Well since then I have been extra cautious about my cholesterol levels. Which are now at 1.1 and 2.2, so no butter in my veins thank you very much. I now take 80 mg of Atorva Statins daily plus 75mgs of Asprin. Since bumping into the Grim Reaper who by the way looks like he could do with some dietary advice because man he is skinny, nothing but skin and bones in fact. I have had three six monthly fasting blood test, when they check for just about everything from Lurpac Butter to Dolly Mixtures. The first test came back at 47 thingamybobs, (prediabetic) six months later it was 42 ( whoop whoop) and this latest one 48 (hmmmmm). I have no other symptoms at all, no peeing, shaking, thirst, blurred vision, all my extremities are still attached, just these three reading over an 18 month period.

Thing is that because of the Cholesterol thing, I have cut out pretty much all products made by Daisy the cow, Percy the piggy and Harriet the hen, although I do eat Harriet herself quite often, I also eat Sammy the salmon and all of his friends to boot. Since my op, I have lost 1 1/2 stone, not intentionally but more because of the change in my diet as I now no longer eat Mr Sainsbury's ready made slop (so easy to just bung it in the microwave after a hard day at work).

What I have been doing however, for about six months now is eating a very very high Carb diet, I have porridge every morning - have to have breakfast in order to take my little friend Mr 75mg asprin every day and at night, I have been eating pretty much nothing but rice, lots of rice, rice,, rice, rice and possibly more rice, Mexican rice, Spicy Pilau rice, Chicken and vegetable rice, rice rice rice, you get the picture. Not vast quantities you understand but every day rice with the occasional protein thrown in for good measure.

So here is my question, bet you wondered when I would get round to asking it..... If the blood test result shows an average thingamybob level over a three month period what is the point of having a second test only two weeks after my last because the result will be the same. I can understand the second test if someone had been eating normally but I have been eating a very high carb diet as you can see. Would I be right in saying that a second test taken in perhaps anther two months would be a more accurate reading. When I explained to the Diabetic Nurse that I had been eating a lot of rice, she did say "ah that could be the problem then" I don't want to ignore the advice the Nurse gives me but at the same time I do not want to begin taking medication that I may not need and which would screw any future tests because I would not know if the results were from taking the medication or from the fact that perhaps I did not need them in the first place. Pheeewwwwwww.

Answers on a postcard please to
The Rice Man
Paddy Field Lane
Basmati Rice
Carbsville
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rice is not good for pre diabetes or diabetes, any reading between 42 & 47 is prediabetes, 48 is diabetes, they repeat test 2 weeks later in case there was a false reading, they cannot leave it for 3 months because if you are diabetic you are at risk from diabetic key acidosis.
It is possible to reverse this by following a different diet and exercise and medication.
 
Welcome to the forums, you do seem to have a diabetic sugar level .. I will tag @daisy1 and you can have a read of the useful information that new members get.

I will like to add that I also have heart problems and many years ago had a run of TIAs, so can understand how your feeling now. Do ask questions and let us know the result of your next test
 
Unfortunately rice is a carb frenzy, I cannot tolerate it at all.Rice cakes are worse than toffee as far as I am concerned.
It may be worth cutting down on your carbs and trying lean meats like turkey,venison, pork fillet, fresh tuna steaks etc for a few weeks.
Have a look at the what have you eaten today threads.Whilst I understand you may be unsure of going Low Carb High Fat maybe low carb some fat may suit.
Have a read around here
 
Hi All,
Thanks for your replies, it would seem that of all the foods I could have been eating, rice is about as bad as it gets. This is why I have doubts about the reading. I thought I was being sensible eating more carbs because with my Cholesterol problem, dairy, red meat and saturated fat are equally as bad. Im seeing my GP tomorrow about something else so I will put my concerns to her and see what she has to say. Will keep you posted
 
I would be very surprised if your GP agrees with anything we are discussing re low carbing.Unfortunatley for many medical professionals it is too new and without proper evidential long term studies.We here know it works as a definite pattern is emerging.
I would be tempted to broach it gently and see what the response is.
Mind you bear in mind it is your health and they are supposed to agree a way forward and any change in medication with your agreement and not dictate with little explanation.
Good luck my best advice is be prepared to fight your corner if that is what you want.
My DN was not keen on me testing as a type 2, I simply asked her well you wouldn't get in a car with no speedo and brakes and see how you got on for three months would you?
Test strips on prescription.
Never underestimate the power of a point backed up by knowledge, delivered with a genuine smile.
 
I feel for you. You are caught between a rock and a hard place. I understand your diet due to your previous medical history, but now you seem to be developing some insulin resistance continuing to eat Carbs (even low GI) will probably only make that worse.

It could be that going onto Metformin may be a way forward, as it has other benefits beyond the effects it has on BG.

Your HbA1c level is borderline, so you may benefit from a small dietary change and Metformin.
 
Good Morning All,
Again, thanks for the replies. I should perhaps clarify a little here, I am not really advocating a low carb diet, simply returning to how I previously balanced my food intake with perhaps a lot less rice. If after a reasonable length of time a further test shows I am Type 2 then perhaps reducing my carb intake further would be a way forward.
All I'm saying is that from comments made by the DN and info I have gleaned from this forum, its pretty obvious that my recent diet would without doubt raise my chances of showing up as Type 2. All I want to do is hold off for a while and see what results I get when I not eating tons of rice.
 
@Redsnapper...Thanks for your advice, have no fear, I am no push over with Medical matters. No one gives me a pill without explaining why they chose that particular medication, what side effects, what alternatives there are and even then I expect you to listen to my concerns and if appropriate; act on them Mr Doctor... however if they give me answers that make sense, I will of course listen
 
@mikejj

Hello Mike and welcome to the forum :) Here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it helpful, especially the advice on diet and carbs. Ask more questions and someone will be able to help.

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 over 150,000 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

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

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

LOW CARB PROGRAM:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/low carb program


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 bloodglucose 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.
 
Don't worry about cutting the amount of fat you have. Many of us find that when we low carb our cholesterol levels go down. As far as I am concerned carbs are the culprit not fats. In any case cholesterol is not the enemy it is often portrayed to be. If I were you I would concentrate on lowering your carb intake.

Have a look at the links at the bottom of daisy1's post.
 
Hi and welcome. Do look at Daisy's advice. You do need to change your diet. That means reducing all carbs and having enough proteins, the better fats, veg and non-tropical fruits. This change in diet will make you feel fuller for longer and still give you enough roughage vitamins and energy. Note that hi-cholesterol isn't really related to diabetes and statins can increase blood sugar a little. The right diet can often change your LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio for the better. Do discuss with the GP and agree what is right for you bearing in mind your other medical conditions. If you follow the low-carb diet it is very likely your HBA1C blood sugar level will go below the diabetic level.
 
Just spoken to my GP and she agrees 100% with my assessment. I have cancelled my appointment with DN and will reschedule for about 6 weeks. After many years managing my Cholesterol levels, I am quite happy with where I am with that, its only the DB that is the issue and I will see where I am in about 6 weeks. Thanks to all for your advice, see you in 6 weeks
 
A lucaze test would quickley show if your diabetic ... Denial is very common when first diagnosed .. In time you will realise that the advice you have been given on your cholesterol and heart health is simply wrong .. But if you still trust your Dr then go with it.
 
A lucaze test would quickley show if your diabetic ... Denial is very common when first diagnosed .. In time you will realise that the advice you have been given on your cholesterol and heart health is simply wrong .. But if you still trust your Dr then go with it.

Hi Enclave... whilst I appreciate your advice, I do however have to correct you. I am not in denial about anything. My position as I have stated is simply that I do not believe taking a second Test just two short weeks after the first will yield a different result than the first, and given that I have been on an extreme high carb diet for many months, my belief is that whatever results may be produced are somewhat askew because of that. I simply intend to wait approx six weeks before taking a second test which I believe will give a more accurate reading. IF after that I am still shown as Type 2, I will of course do whatever is necessary, my GP concurs with my view and on her advice I have cancelled my appointment scheduled for next week with the DN and will make a new one in approx six weeks.

As for the advice I have been given re my Cholestoerol, I find it quite offensive that you should make such a statement, I and four of my siblings have lived with elevated Cholestorol levels all our lives, I am 61yrs and I have been monitoring my Cholesterol levels for many years, I believe I know a little more about the subject than you appear to do. I always question all my medical practitioners and I do so from a position of some knowledge about that which I speak. If you seek to give advice on this forum, may I politely suggest you do so only about those matters on which you are qualified to do so.

I came to this forum for advice on Type 2 Diabetes, sound advice not someone's misguided opinion, if my tone causes offence I am sorry but ill formed and misguided advice is dangerous and someone less well educated on the subject than I may well follow your advice to the detriment of their health. As a Veteran on this forum you should not be making unsubstantiated comments or offering unsafe advice.
 
As for the advice I have been given re my Cholestoerol, I find it quite offensive that you should make such a statement, I and four of my siblings have lived with elevated Cholestorol levels all our lives, I am 61yrs and I have been monitoring my Cholesterol levels for many years, I believe I know a little more about the subject than you appear to do.

Then hopefully you will already know about the following report regarding fat and specifically the content from page 24 relating to Cholesterol: http://publications.credit-suisse.c...fm?fileid=9163B920-CAEF-91FB-EE5769786A03D76E
 
I thought that @mikejj was referring to Familial hypercholesterolemia?
The report mentions this as the exception.
 
Hi Mike.

The jury is still out on cholesterol!
But through my experience and my opinion, if you have been watching your cholesterol for so long why isn't it better?
I have been low carbing and not watching my cholesterol because with everything that I was going through, that was the least of my worries!
However due to low carb, full fat and a change to saturated fats, including frying food in coconut oil and animal fats, my cholesterol is near perfect on my last test.
I had problems with NAFL and many other symptoms and health problems with my endocrine system and hypertension, and I have that little aspirin tablet every morning. If I had continued eating as you do, I wouldn't be here writing this!
With my endocrinologist specialist blessing he has told me to stay away from carbs and polyunsaturated fats and vegetable fats, he said use virgin olive oil, if you could trust it!
I'm sixty, and my health has returned.
Because I'm eating natural healthy fat, full fat and low carb meals.

This my opinion and my specialists!
 
There's a book I love called 'The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease"
by Uffe Ravnskov

As @Enclave said the second test is to make sure the first one was correct. I had one two weeks after the first one, it seems to be pretty standard practice.

You asked for advice re diabetes. Well reducing your carbs is the best advice I can give you, though most HCPs will tell you to eat carbs with every meal.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cholestrol-...&qid=1449590541&sr=1-5&keywords=uffe+ravnskov
 
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