A few basic questions from a newly diagnosed

[LastManStanding]

HI, first of all, English is not my first language. Please bear with me if I make mistakes and please let me know if I am not making myself adequately clear.

I am 35 years old and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about two months ago. My blood sugar level was, at the time of the diagnosis, 485 PP and 330 fasting. On advice of a specialist, I started taking Glyciphage SR 1 gm twice a day accompanied with an antacid and I immediately started on a good diet and moderate exercise. In six days my blood sugar level dropped to about 100 and since then my blood sugar level has remained between 80 to 130 mostly, with occasional spikes, but never crossed 150. MY fasting blood-sugar level usually remains between 80 and 90. Post Perennial, it's usually between 100 and 120.

The problem for me was adequate exercising. While my doctor strongly advised on a morning exercising routine, my work hours made it almost impossible. So I started with cycling for half an hour every evening. The diet and exercise led to a weight loss of about 6 KGs in these two months.

Here are a few questions I wanted to ask:

1. Was my blood sugar level (at 485PP and 330 fasting) at the time of diagnosis way too high? Or is it common? What are the implications?

2. What is an ideal level of blood sugar for me right now? Am I doing a good job of it or is it too low?

3. I worked out my working hours and I am now ready to go to the gym every morning, but I have a problem. I get hungry very fast in the morning. What can I eat before going to the gym? MY friends eat bananas, but I understand I have to avoid bananas now. What is the best replacement for that?

4. I have been told that cardiovascular exercise early morning while under medication for diabetes (Glyciphage SR 1gm) can potentially lower the blood-sugar level to the point of hypoglycemic shock. Is that something I should be worried about? My fasting blood-sugar level these days is usually in the 80s. The last time I checked, it was 83. Is that too low to start cardiovascular exercise?

I am very confused these days about my newly diagnosed health condition. I will really appreciate some help here.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

I wish I could write so well in a second language. I have difficulty with my first one. PP is Postprandial and that was the only error.

1. I think you already know the answer to this since your readings were four times what they are now. The implications would have been deteriorating health with loss of sensation in feet and probably eye trouble as well

2. Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. No less than 80 would be good and no higher than 150 postprandial (2 hours after eating) and lower if possible.

3. If it's just hunger that is the problem then chicken, ham , nuts etc but .....

4. 83 is a bit low and I would have thought that you could have some carbs before you exercise. I have weetabix before I go for my 3 mile walk and the walk takes care of it nicely. Find something you like that will hold off a potential hypo.

 

[LastManStanding]

I wish I could write so well in a second language. I have difficulty with my first one. PP is Postprandial and that was the only error.

1. I think you already know the answer to this since your readings were four times what they are now. The implications would have been deteriorating health with loss of sensation in feet and probably eye trouble as well

2. Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. No less than 80 would be good and no higher than 150 postprandial (2 hours after eating) and lower if possible.

3. If it's just hunger that is the problem then chicken, ham , nuts etc but .....

4. 83 is a bit low and I would have thought that you could have some carbs before you exercise. I have weetabix before I go for my 3 mile walk and the walk takes care of it nicely. Find something you like that will hold off a potential hypo.

Thanks a lot. What I meant to ask in the first question is whether those levels are common for other people at the times of diagnosis.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Those levels at diagnosis were very high but not unusual for many of us around diagnosis time. For short time they may not have done damage but damage will be done if no action is taken. Fortunately you are now on meds. Normally Metformin (Glucophage) doesn't cause hypos, but a little carb before the workout may be good; check levels. A level of 83 is getting near to hypo-land so some carbs will help. Overall diet is the key and a low-carb diet is the best way to reduce both blood sugar and weight