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

S

smb

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Hi,

I've had 2 high sugar level readings at the docs recently and have been advised to go back for another test and a liver ultrasounds as my liver test was abnormal. i bought a self testing kit last night and my first result was 16 mmol/l which scared me a bit. Today, after quite a stressful meeting, I thought I'd do another test before lunch - this one was 34.0 mmol/l ! I understand stress can spike the levels but I'm now seriously worried. I'm overweight but not super large and have a stressful job, high blood pressure (on meds). Any advice ? Apart from see the docs again ?
 
Go for walks after you eat and cut out carbs. I will tag @daisy1 for her excellent advice.
 
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 ?
 
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.
 
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.
 
Thank you all for your replies. Changes are being made already and I'll be having some more blood tests this week and then seeing my GP. I've been taking regular tests and yesterday it seemed to be a consistent 9.9 in the morning, 2 hours after eating and in the evening.
 
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.
 
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