A seemingly random question

[Misteraa]

Hi,

Last night I was having a discussion with my lovely lady about the dangers of spikes for me, and the question that came out was this:

At what point is a high BG spike bad?

For example:
If you are well controlled, hba1c of 39, and go out and eat rice, potatoes etc for one meal every few months, will this single spike affect you (health wise), or is it the prolonged exposure to high BG's that causes complications?

Trying to get a handle of how dangerous spikes are really, to understand things a bit better.

Thanks
A

 

[Randburg]

Hi,
I believe a single "Fling" that causes a high spike will not cause to much harm, as long as they are occasional.
Think how many you had before you were diagnosed.
Its the continual high readings that cause the problems.
I guess some of the others on the forum will not agree, and suggest alternatives, reducing amounts etc., but its fun to let go occasionally

 

[Bluetit1802]

I don't think the odd one off high spike will harm, as long as it comes down again. Serious complications set in with prolonged high sugars over a longish period of time as far as I am aware. However, I have no scientific evidence for this. I also follow the advice given on this forum to keep daily spikes under 2 to 2.5mmol/l, but have never found any scientific evidence to back this up.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

I have no evidence either but I have to try to explain it to myself so I think it is the area under the curve that matters. I also suppose that the higher an instantaneous reading the more damage is potentially caused. All these things accumulate.

So, the higher the longer the worse.

 

[Misteraa]

Thanks, I'm trying to figure out if this is a sensible approach - i.e. that I can't be completely controlled 100% of the time, or if I'm looking for an excuse to eat stuff I shouldn't every now and then...

'Tis a tough road isn't it