Non diabetic blood glucose

Hello all, have just joined and have a question.

My mother has a diabetes testing machine at home although neither of my parents are diagnosed as diabetics. I think they just wanted to keep a check on blood sugar levels as my Grandad had it and they've known other diabetics. Recently my Mum's been testing me using the strips, and I've twice shown a level around 8.6 mmol 2 hours after a meal. My Mum thinks this is high, especially for a 39 year old guy, and particularly as my Dad tests at around 5 after the same meal. Mum's now recommending I eat very little sugar, keep carbs down and exercise more. I'm pretty slim but have had a bit of a sweet tooth over the years.

Can anyone advise on this? Are these levels anything to really worry about? I am planning to keep sugar down and generally watch what I eat, but would like the odd piece of cake maybe (!). Your comments much appreciated. By the way, I haven't tested my fasting glucose levels as yet.

Thanks very much.

Thanks all. I have been pretty worried by these readings I must admit and am already acting on diet as a result. Just to clarify, I've not being diagnosed with anything, probably because I've not been to a doctor about it, yet. Also, I don't have any of the symptoms I've read about on this site. I feel fine, and have good energy levels.

nomistheman, you said 8.6 is slightly high for a type 2 diabetic - well what is it then for a (I hope) non-diabetic? Worse I assume?

Anyway, diet will be changed, more exercise, and I guess I better get that blood test.....One other question on diet - how does honey stack up? I've been swirling about a teaspoon in greek yoghurt. Maybe I shouldn't?

Thanks again.

Thanks all. It seems my reading certainly puts me in the region of a prediabetes sufferer. Its a wake-up call and I've already started cutting down carb portions and cutting out sugary treats and replacing with a bit of cheese or some nuts. Am I right in saying that not everything sweet is automatically bad though - apples for example? I do quite an active job so don't think I'll go down the no carb route - I hear its dangerous anyway, but carb reduction definitely. Would people say that carb control is more important in the long term than say sugar reduction - ie, can you have the odd few sweets or pieces of cake if you are controlling carbs overall? I know, my sweet tooth speaking again....

I think what I'm going to do is forego the doctor for the minute, improve lifestyle accordingly and retest on the strips in a month's time to see if things improve. Maybe then give another month and if readings are still high see a doctor. I really don't want to have to go on medication.

Thanks guys for your help - certainly is a shock though.

Thanks for that Smiley84 - it has reassured me a bit. I know the two tests over 8 have probably led me to panic slightly. Genetics does play a part I know. I think I need to test my fasting levels when I visit my parents next and see what that comes out as. The carb reduction won't do me any harm to be honest - I'm pretty slim as I say but could do with losing a bit off my stomach area, and maybe half a stone in total. I also did binge a bit sometimes on sweet things - biscuits, sweets, and definitely am a big crisp lover, so will moderate these more. I expect I need to just watch my diet a bit more than I have been.

Will do a few more readings over time and see what they give.

Thanks again Smiley

Ok glaves, will do, but thought the standard test was 2 hours after a meal? That's what I keep reading on here. Also will test fasting level too. I have to wait until I go to Mum's - usually on Sundays.

Cheers.