Reading of 16 mmol/l ? Not diagnosed yet ...

Go for walks after you eat and cut out carbs. I will tag @daisy1 for her excellent advice.

Hi. Yes, cut the carbs down and see the GP as soon as you can for further tests.

smb said:

That's the strange thing though. I don't eat a huge amount of carbs in the first place. I am certainly making changes with more exercise and a lower carb diet but was actually quite worried about the high readings. Or are they not as worrying as they appear ?

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I would say that there are many here on the forum who have experienced bgl levels such as you have given. It will become clear when Daisy1 replies that these levels are not good for us in the long term, and you need to take steps to learn how to bring them into control as a priority. However, damage from high levels requires prolonged exposure to them, so this is not something to go into panic over at this stage.
Firstly you will probably need to undergo some further simple tests to confirm a diagnosis, and this will dictate what medication regime and lifestyle changes are advised for you to take up. only a GP or Diabetes Specialist can do these tests and give diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, then you will find that there are 'specialised' subthreads that you can join to ask questions and gain support that is related to the diagnosis. Although most of us here are carrying the Diabetic label, each of us differs in our treatments, and there is not a 'one size fits all' even though it sometimes feels that way. You will learn to filter our advice as you journey.

You have a test kit, so you can start to SEE how your body reacts to food (and meds) As a Newbie this testing should be supported by your GP at least in the initial stages. Good luck, and come back with any questions. We remember being new starters ourselves, so no question is considered trivial.

Yes, they are worrying. As @Daibell says, you need to see your GP as soon as possible. If you suspect DKA go to A and E immediately http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Also, make sure your hands are completely clean before testing (traces of sugar can give false readings).

Let us know how you get on.

When I was diagnosed T1 I was getting levels of 18-20 mmol/L. I would strongly suggest testing a few times a day and particularly 1-2 hours after eating. Keep a record and take it to your doctor. Even without carbs your liver will release enough glucose to keep your levels high hence why T1Ds take basal insulin to cancel this release out and bolus to treat carb intake. I'm no expert but I think you need treatment ASAP as your levels are quite damaging if left. These high levels can cause you to react to stress poorly ( I know from a similar experience). Once your levels are 'normal' you should find your coping mechanism and adrenalin far better. Good luck.

Hi. Perhaps a further note. It is always possible you are a Late onset T1 and not T2 in which case your blood sugar may continue to rise and need medication very soon; having low-carbs with T1 will help a bit but only a bit. Yes, go to A&E if your sugars keep rising and stay in the 20s or you feel unwell. Anyone going into the teens 2 hours after a meal needs to see the GP as it's potentially damaging.

The others are right to point out the need to be aware of DKA especially since you do not yet have a diagnosis. However, DKA is more commonly associated with Type 1 diabetics, and is comparatively rare in the Type 2. You are more likely to be a T2D statistically speaking, and the reading of 16 would tend to support this. in addition, if the doctor had seen a dangerous bgl when you presented at the apppointment, then he would have expedited your treatment and tested for ketones then. A reading of 33 in the surgery would have certainly pushed a panic button at the time.

Your readings indicate that you require action to bring them down quickly, and you must be stricter on diet at least until your diagnosis is resolved. This should bring them down to safer levels. Cut out the white bread, white flour, potatoes bics, cakes bananas etc. since these give high spikes without fail.

I have personally had readings higher than yours in the recent past, and had them for a year or so, but I am ok now, and running at a reasonably lowish daily average of 6.8. Not perfecct, but i am happy so far. So is my GP and DSN.

Anything as high as this is pretty much a diagnoses - diet changes removal of carbs and sugar will definitely help. Then exercise and meds will be the next step.