What was your fasting blood glucose? (with some chat)

[debrasue]

The two threads on fasting blood glucose levels are amongst the most popular and longest running on this forum but, to be honest, I have misgivings about them particularly the "very low chat" version.

My first concern is that they place an undue emphasis on fasting blood glucose counts, which in many ways are the most atypical and hardest to control because of the well known dawn phenomenon: our livers actually release glucose into our bloodstream to prepare us for the energy demands of the coming day.

This emphasis on fasting levels diverts attention away from pre and two-hour-post prandial testing, that in my opinion are much more useful as feedback, particularly for the newly diagnosed that are still learning about how their levels are affected by different food.

Secondly, it encourages comparison between individuals when such comparisons are not really valid.

We are not all the same. We are individuals with different circumstances affecting our glucose control: we have different types of diabetes, our diabetes is at a different stage, we are on different or no medication, we are different sexes and we lead different lifestyles placing different demands on our diet and level of exercise or involving different levels of stress.

A particular concern is the effect on the newly diagnosed, who will typically be running at elevated levels compared to well-controlled 'vetetans'. If they use the comparison as inspiration, all is good but they should not be disheartened if their levels are higher or slower to reduce.

The only person we are really competing with is ourselves of yesterday and the only opponent is diabetes itself.

This is not a race or a contest and the only prize is managing to stay healthy.

In reality of course, these threads are a tool and like all tools, as long as care is taken to make proper use of them, they serve a purpose, helping us to maintain focus.

This is the reason that despite the misgivings I post regularly on this version of the thread. If I am honest I am here for the chat, comradeship and support rather than just to share my level or satisfy my curiosity about how others compare/are doing.

Each to his/her own, Pavlos...

I do occasionally have time to post on this thread but, as you say, we are not all the same. I prefer to dive in and out of the "very low chat" FBS thread on a daily basis each morning. I take the opportunity to enjoy chat, comradeship and support on the forum in the evenings, when things have slowed down a little for me.

The brief nature of low chat thread suits me as I have little time to spare early in the morning, but it gives me a great focus to start each day, as well as a quick catch-up with other like-minded friends on the forum. I'm not aware that any of us look upon it as a contest...

I applaud anyone who is trying to take a positive approach to diabetes, whatever their method, so any thread that helps them with that process gets my vote. Variety is the spice of life!

 

[debrasue]

Well mine was 24mmol at 5.30 this morning! Im having trouble with the medication as I seem to be super sensitive and get all sorts of side effects. The last thing I tried was dapagliflozin. I thought it was going great but then during the night I woke up with really bad palpitations. It didn't feel like a panic attack. Anyway, I didn't take it again after that. Now my GP wants me to try a better version... Empagliflozin but I am just too scared to take it again I case I get palpitations. I. Also due to start work I a warehouse but Ive no energy and I'm scared I'll make myself worse if the job is too strenuous. I'm in a right pickle!

Hi Joeynomates - I know you've been a member for a while, but welcome to this thread!
I'm tagging @ickihun on your post, because I'm pretty sure she'll be able to identify with you as regards your palpitations and meds. Keep on sharing! And good luck with your new job.

 

[Cumberland]

5.5 at 7am

Have a good day peeps

 

[Diabeticliberty]

My son-in-law does MMA - that's a tough game. Very demanding, both physically and on your lifestyle. Respect.
I got a 6.2 this morning. Entirely self-inflicted, as I have zero self-restraint and low intelligence.

My own discipline was Lau Gar Kung Fu and possibly not as demanding as MMA which is extremely tough. I used to absolutely live for it and still miss it in lots of ways. I only left it because at the stage I was approaching all of the commands were given in Chinese. You had to process the command and then undertake it really quickly or you failed. The fighting was excellent and I really enjoyed that aspect. I contemplated going back to it but have too much going on with work and teaching and my little doggie.

Zero self restraint and low intelligence? Are we related in some way?

Nowt wrong with 6.2 by the way. Life is too short to be hard on yourself

 

[Ixarix]

I had a much better result just now, 6.8. I'm quite happy with that since it was coming in a bit higher the lately. As mentioned before my overall average has come down too. So I'm happy with how things are progressing. Hope everyone is having a good day.

 

[pavlosn]

Each to his/her own, Pavlos...

I do occasionally have time to post on this thread but, as you say, we are not all the same. I prefer to dive in and out of the "very low chat" FBS thread on a daily basis each morning. I take the opportunity to enjoy chat, comradeship and support on the forum in the evenings, when things have slowed down a little for me.

The brief nature of low chat thread suits me as I have little time to spare early in the morning, but it gives me a great focus to start each day, as well as a quick catch-up with other like-minded friends on the forum. I'm not aware that any of us look upon it as a contest...

I applaud anyone who is trying to take a positive approach to diabetes, whatever their method, so any thread that helps them with that process gets my vote. Variety is the spice of life!

I agree with the contents of your post, any tool that helps us in our effort to control diabetes is welcome.

I merely posted my thoughts on these fbg threads and my reservations about them, which primarily relate to their use by newly diagnosed diabetics. More experienced diabetics propably know enough to not fall into the potential pitfalls I identified.

My reservations relate to both threads. My post was not meant to compare the two or paint one more favorably than the other.

There is more than one way for us to find a way to deal with diabetes. This variety of different approaches (even if really variations on a theme) presents one with more options and as such is to be welcomed.

At the end of the day what counts is staying healthy. What we use to achieve this is not the main issue.

Best regards

Pavlos

 

[shoesy24]

9.2....! For a week now Whats the target realistically for type 2? Should i start with say..lower than 8.5?

 

[karen8967]

The two threads on fasting blood glucose levels are amongst the most popular and longest running on this forum but, to be honest, I have misgivings about them particularly the "very low chat" version.

My first concern is that they place an undue emphasis on fasting blood glucose counts, which in many ways are the most atypical and hardest to control because of the well known dawn phenomenon: our livers actually release glucose into our bloodstream to prepare us for the energy demands of the coming day.

This emphasis on fasting levels diverts attention away from pre and two-hour-post prandial testing, that in my opinion are much more useful as feedback, particularly for the newly diagnosed that are still learning about how their levels are affected by different food.

Secondly, it encourages comparison between individuals when such comparisons are not really valid.

We are not all the same. We are individuals with different circumstances affecting our glucose control: we have different types of diabetes, our diabetes is at a different stage, we are on different or no medication, we are different sexes and we lead different lifestyles placing different demands on our diet and level of exercise or involving different levels of stress.

A particular concern is the effect on the newly diagnosed, who will typically be running at elevated levels compared to well-controlled 'vetetans'. If they use the comparison as inspiration, all is good but they should not be disheartened if their levels are higher or slower to reduce.

The only person we are really competing with is ourselves of yesterday and the only opponent is diabetes itself.

This is not a race or a contest and the only prize is managing to stay healthy.

In reality of course, these threads are a tool and like all tools, as long as care is taken to make proper use of them, they serve a purpose, helping us to maintain focus.

This is the reason that despite the misgivings I post regularly on this version of the thread. If I am honest I am here for the chat, comradeship and support rather than just to share my level or satisfy my curiosity about how others compare/are doing.

well said pavlos i totally agree with you

 

[Granny_grump_]

Hi everyone
Late due to blood test at hospital for gout,
BG this morning 6.0
BG this afternoon 5.4. K

 

[heavyd]

Hi heavyd Your doing good! K

Yes thanks Granny

 

[debrasue]

My own discipline was Lau Gar Kung Fu and possibly not as demanding as MMA which is extremely tough. I used to absolutely live for it and still miss it in lots of ways. I only left it because at the stage I was approaching all of the commands were given in Chinese. You had to process the command and then undertake it really quickly or you failed. The fighting was excellent and I really enjoyed that aspect. I contemplated going back to it but have too much going on with work and teaching and my little doggie.

Zero self restraint and low intelligence? Are we related in some way?

Nowt wrong with 6.2 by the way. Life is too short to be hard on yourself

I totally agree - but I'm hoping if I'm a little harder on myself, then my life may be a little longer!

 

[ickihun]

A 7.7 this morning. My sleeping is so weird of late. Walking up shattered. Little one back in my bed til spring. Very conscious of possible waking him when I turn over. He had night terrors but gone since he's in my bed again. A decent trade off as he's enjoying school more.
Bgs are affected but he has to come first til more help is available. Psychology services are a huge support with bariatric surgery preparation and longterm therafter thinking.
I saw on news last night that stigma behind bariatric surgery is putting 'ill' patients off from seeking the right help for their medical needs. What a funny society we live in! A specialist for my health going forward strongly recommended it to me. I knew I couldnt run away from my part in fixing my obesity problem.
I wish I could hug every single person who is afraid to make that decision. Fear is such a distructive emotion. Be free.

 

[karen8967]

A 7.7 this morning. My sleeping is so weird of late. Walking up shattered. Little one back in my bed til spring. Very conscious of possible waking him when I turn over. He had night terrors but gone since he's in my bed again. A decent trade off as he's enjoying school more.
Bgs are affected but he has to come first til more help is available. Psychology services are a huge support with bariatric surgery preparation and longterm therafter thinking.
I saw on news last night that stigma behind bariatric surgery is putting 'ill' patients off from seeking the right help for their medical needs. What a funny society we live in! A specialist for my health going forward strongly recommended it to me. I knew I couldnt run away from my part in fixing my obesity problem.
I wish I could hug every single person who is afraid to make that decision. Fear is such a distructive emotion. Be free.

couldnt agree with you more ickihun x

 

[Mbaker]

Fabulous post!!! Thank you and well said.

I really like this post, I think all of your points are well made and thought provoking.

I have lowish fbg and get a dawn phenomenon slightly later. I also think post prandial is very important as for me it is likely this is what the body runs at for longer, so is probably closer to what the HbA1c will be (definitely in my case).

I found the journey and lower readings of some inspirational and I hope those who run higher numbers do also, but fear as you point out this may not be the case for some. When some have had higher numbers than normal people wade in with support and encouragement which makes my journey easier and that of the recipient.

 

[karen8967]

Bonjour à vous tous mes beaux paons et paons diabétiques à plumes. I have just awoken from a dream where I sadly got run over by a double decked bus. The number on the front was 39A. Rather spookily my waking blood are 3.9mmols it's a sign, it's a sign today I shall not be stepping out in front of buses, lorries or fire engines. All have yourselves a splendid Thursday.

Good afternoon mr d i should hope you wont be stepping out in ftont of any

 

[Prem51]

9.2....! For a week now Whats the target realistically for type 2? Should i start with say..lower than 8.5?

I don't think you should set targets. Your liver won't understand or achieve them. Just work on reducing your bs levels, it does take time and patience, but you will get there.
As is often said on here, this is a marathon not a sprint.

 

[callyandy]

My son-in-law does MMA - that's a tough game. Very demanding, both physically and on your lifestyle. Respect.
I got a 6.2 this morning. Entirely self-inflicted, as I have zero self-restraint and low intelligence.

I know the intelligence part of that statement is rubbish!!! Self-restraint.. Now you may have a point there

 

[shoesy24]

I don't think you should set targets. Your liver won't understand or achieve them. Just work on reducing your bs levels, it does take time and patience, but you will get there.
As is often said on here, this is a marathon not a sprint.

Thanks I get that. The marathon thing. Just thought with weight loss- a small achievable targets rather than a lot.

I get good numbers in evening and before bed in the 5 and 6s. So its frustrating.

What time does one have dinner? I Have to incorporate it with bedtime routine with my 2 yr old.

 

[Freema]

9.2....! For a week now Whats the target realistically for type 2? Should i start with say..lower than 8.5?

preferably lower than 7.5.


http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14045678.php

reduce your level of carbs and you will see it lowering

 

[shoesy24]

Great thanks Freema.