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Different readings

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Dan O Reilly

Member
Messages
9
So I tested my BG this morning.
5.3 was pretty pleased. Fasting until 12 pm so 6 hours later did it again pre meal and it said 8. This would be big for me so I did it again and it was 7. I still wasn't convinced so went again and it was 6. Does anybody think this is strange, could it be the meter?

Using an accu-check mobile
 
could be normal meters are only accurate within 15%

so imagine a bg of 7

this could read anywhere between 5.9 and 8.0

also it could be contamination on you hand
 
searley said:
could be normal meters are only accurate within 15%

so imagine a bg of 7

this could read anywhere between 5.9 and 8.0

also it could be contamination on you hand
Click to expand...

My next question is why is it climbing from 5.3 to 7 when I haven't eaten anything. I'm not stressed just working
 
Dan O Reilly said:
My next question is why is it climbing from 5.3 to 7 when I haven't eaten anything. I'm not stressed just working
Click to expand...

Dawn phenomena. Your liver pumps out sugar first thing in the morning to help you get active for the day. Unfortunately you can't tell the liver to low carb its output, though I believe that is one of the reasons people take metformin. :)
 
Dan O Reilly said:
My next question is why is it climbing from 5.3 to 7 when I haven't eaten anything. I'm not stressed just working
Click to expand...
That could be an extended Dawn Phenomena(DP) ,your ever helpful liver kicking out gloucose into your blood stream to "fuel" you. Most common 1st thing, but can continue for hours until you eat
 
Dan O Reilly said:
My next question is why is it climbing from 5.3 to 7 when I haven't eaten anything. I'm not stressed just working
Click to expand...

in simple terms..

when you eat, it does not go from stomach to blood... the food is processed, a bulk of the glucose will be stored, and released slowly to provide energy through out the day.

so its quite normal for the liver to release glucose when it think its needed for energy, so whilst you have not eaten, there is still stores to be released..

different times of day.. different energy levels etc will all see different BG levels.. it quite common to get dawn phenomenon which is where you get a BG rise an hour before getting up in the morning.. this happens even though you have no food in 10 hours
 
I find sometimes what i've eaten 12 hours previously will effect my now blood sugar .
 
Dan O Reilly said:
My next question is why is it climbing from 5.3 to 7 when I haven't eaten anything. I'm not stressed just working
Click to expand...

You not eating anything could be the reason it rose. Everybody's glucose levels rise and fall throughout the day 24/7 (that's why type 1s and those on insulin have to take two lots of insulin, some for food and some to cover the fasting periods). ANYTHING can cause it to rise and bear in mind your 'rise' isn't really a climb. In a non diabetic body, when the level does rise then the body works to bring it down to it's usual level but of course if we're 'flawed' in some way our bodies may struggle to do so, either because we are not producing the correct amount of insulin or it's not getting through or being utilised effectively, etc.

Stress of course, doesn't always mean mental stress, it can mean stress on the body in some way, ie just a bit of hoovering or going upstairs or sitting at work on your computer so although you're thinking you're not stressed, your body has helpfully decided you need a boost! Some people find a small snack is enough to keep a response from your liver in check which defeats the fasting I know, but it really is trial and error. Did it go down pretty speedily at all? It's a right pain I know because no matter what we do it is impossible to remain on the same steady number 24/7, nobody does. That's why targets are set at between 4 & 7 for NON diabetics never mind us, generally speaking.
 
I've learned to accept that anything between 4 and 7 is ok, even if its not what I was expecting. I'm currently wearing a libre to monitor me 24/7 and my graphs are so varied and so up and down. Sometimes I understand a movement sometimes I don't. Hence why I've learned to accept as long as it is mostly in range thats good enough.
Yes in the early days I was learning which foods cause spikes, but now I know and avoid them, I just accept anything else, in range, without questioning it too much. That way madness lies
 
Hello, I was going to say that I was having the same issue with my previous Nano meter so I have changed to the most accurate one, which is supposed to be Contour next. I am also doing intermittent fasting. I was going to say that our liver produces glucose even when we are fasted, it's our way to ensure that we survive! Our whole body requires a continuous supply of glucose to continue functioning so it is quite normal that your liver is making some while you are fasting. I was also surprised at how my levels can be within 6.1 - 6.4 in the morning on a 12 hour fast but I expect that this will drop as I lose more weight. Remember, fat around the liver prevents it from managing glucose properly so if you are trying to reverse prediabetes, weight loss is your biggest friend! Also, remember that it takes time to reverse something that took years to develop so be patient with yourself and your body. All the best!
 
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