Really Scared! :(

[Zmtawy123]

Hi everyone, chanced upon this site and have been reading it for about a week, so glad to have a platform to share everything and get encouragement. My situation right now has me in constant fear and possibly anxiety attacks, and I pray nothing's wrong with me.

Little bit of about myself:

Gender: Male
Race: Asian Chinese (Singaporean)
Age: 27
Height: 1.73m
Weight: 65kg
Non-smoker

I have been experiencing thirst for about a week or so, and am not sure if it's purely psychological and anxiety, or something that requires more attention. As you can see above, my height and weight gives a decent BMI reading and I'm not obese. I do have a bit of tummy though. As far as I am aware, there is also no family history of Diabetes.

The thirst and urination (probably due to me consuming more fluids) irritated me so much I visited a clinic and had a fasting prick test and urine test done. Glucose in urine is NEGATIVE and the fasting blood glucose is 5.5. Doctor assured me I was alright, and is paranoid, but I've read online (sigh the easy access to medical information also means self-diagnosis for worrywarts like me) that 5.5 is bordering prediabetes.

Also, I have a terrible diet, and sleep really late every night. While I don't smoke nor consume alcohol, I binge on junk food like potato chips, ice cream and chocolate on a very regular basis.

The thirst have been persisting for a week now, and I'm really worried. Have made an appointment with the doctor's for a more thorough blood test tomorrow morning, he mentioned HbA1c, and until the results are out, I can only keep worrying and scaring myself.

I have an upcoming vacation that's booked, and really really really adore desserts like ice cream and cakes. Would this mean I could never have those again if I were indeed diagnosed with diabetes? Anyone able to advise if the initial urine and prick test results are indicative?

Thanks so much in advance.

 

[walnut_face]

@Zmtawy123 5.5 as fasting prick test is fine. The normally accepted range is 4.0 to 5.9
Do you live in Singapore? I know that the local diet mixed with a so called 'western' diet is not good. You are a youngster and your body can probably cope at the moment, but over time the choc/chips/Ice Cream will take its' toll. Most choc bars are in fact sugar bars, cocoa being a lesser ingredient than sugar! Do yourself a favour and cut them down to an occasional treat, not every day/week. Find something else you like.
If you are thirsty water is your friend, drink liberally!

 

[NewTD2]

Hi everyone, chanced upon this site and have been reading it for about a week, so glad to have a platform to share everything and get encouragement. My situation right now has me in constant fear and possibly anxiety attacks, and I pray nothing's wrong with me.

Little bit of about myself:

Gender: Male
Race: Asian Chinese (Singaporean)
Age: 27
Height: 1.73m
Weight: 65kg
Non-smoker

I have been experiencing thirst for about a week or so, and am not sure if it's purely psychological and anxiety, or something that requires more attention. As you can see above, my height and weight gives a decent BMI reading and I'm not obese. I do have a bit of tummy though. As far as I am aware, there is also no family history of Diabetes.

The thirst and urination (probably due to me consuming more fluids) irritated me so much I visited a clinic and had a fasting prick test and urine test done. Glucose in urine is NEGATIVE and the fasting blood glucose is 5.5. Doctor assured me I was alright, and is paranoid, but I've read online (sigh the easy access to medical information also means self-diagnosis for worrywarts like me) that 5.5 is bordering prediabetes.

Also, I have a terrible diet, and sleep really late every night. While I don't smoke nor consume alcohol, I binge on junk food like potato chips, ice cream and chocolate on a very regular basis.

The thirst have been persisting for a week now, and I'm really worried. Have made an appointment with the doctor's for a more thorough blood test tomorrow morning, he mentioned HbA1c, and until the results are out, I can only keep worrying and scaring myself.

I have an upcoming vacation that's booked, and really really really adore desserts like ice cream and cakes. Would this mean I could never have those again if I were indeed diagnosed with diabetes? Anyone able to advise if the initial urine and prick test results are indicative?

Thanks so much in advance.

I can totally understand you’re worry but it’s best to find out sooner rather than later.

And the sooner you find out, the earlier you will have control of diabetes rather than the disease controlling you.

Please give up on chocolates, sweets, ice cream, cream cakes, Chinese cakes, fizzy drinks etc. they are not good for your pancreas and there are healthier alternatives ie cakes made with low carb almond flour with Stevia as an example!

Adapt a low carb diet. Eliminate white rice, flour, bread, pasta, potatoes, noodles. Including sauces with hidden sugar and carbs!

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/low-carb-diabetes-diet.html
https://www.lowcarbprogram.com/
https://www.dietdoctor.com/

Good luck with your A1c tomorrow!

Andrew

 

[ziggy_w]

Hi @Zmtawy123,

I very much empathize with you. Frequent thirst and urination can be worrying as can be a potential diabetes diagnosis. Please understand, however, that we can't diagnose you as we are not medical professionals.

Fasting morning levels of 5.5 are normal. You say that you will have further blood tests including an HbA1c tests -- this should really help put your mind at rest whatever the outcome.

If, by any chance, your HbA1c should turn out to be prediabetic or diabetic, you will have the advantage of having caught it early and changing the way you eat will most likely normalize blood sugar levels.

After diagnosis I have switched to a low-carb diet and am still able to enjoy many foods. For example, I have found ways to make low-carb cheese cake, low-carb mousse au chocolate, low-carb brownies, low-carb carrot cake and also low-carb ice creams.

So, please don't worry too much. It's great that you are very proactive about this.

 

[Bluetit1802]

A fasting blood glucose of 5.5 is normal, and having said that this method of testing is not a reliable marker for diabetes or pre-diabetes. The HbA1c or an OGTT (Oral glucose tolerance test) are the diagnostic tools used. There are far too many outside influences on fasting finger prick tests. Even getting out of bed, getting washed and dressed, getting to the surgery, rushing about, stress and worry about what the doc might say will all have had an effect.

 

[Guzzler]

If your tests results are negative you would still be wise to improve your diet, the human body can only take so much punishment.

 

[Zmtawy123]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback.

Yea as I grow older, I started to realise many staples that I grew up eating are in fact culprit of Diabetes. As a Chinese, I can't do without my rice, although I have gradually started asking for less or even halved portions.

Persuaded parents to replace white with brown rice occasionally, but they are stubborn and traditional as Chinese gets, and believe rice is essential for energy and completes a meal. If I'm not mistaken, an abundance of rice also signifies wealth in Chinese beliefs.

Meanwhile, I still feel parched, but I'm trying to cut the drinking lest I start peeing a lot. Not sure how much of this is due to psychological factors though. I had a very similar episode of thirst and frequent urination about 2 years back when I was serving the army (we are conscripted here in Singapore) and the Medical Officer sent me to a specialist diabetes clinic only for them to dismissed I was alright and probably overthinking. I have my fingers crossed it's the same issue this time round as well.

I'm worried about the 5.5 because while it is a normal reading, some website suggests that 5.5 is pre-diabetic or bordering it. Any reason why it didn't go lower despite me having fasted?

Will try to gradually cut out carbohydrates as I go along, but this seems to be a mammoth task, especially in my country where I feel the more economical options are also the unhealthiest. Also, very hard to fathom the fact that I have to entirely give up on sweet treats. Forgive me for sounding stupid, but is the occasional chocolate bar (the regular kind, not those healthier option with stevia whatever) alright for diabetics?

Will be doing the blood test in about 9 hours (it's past midnight here) and keep everyone updated. Thank you once again for the advice.

 

[Zmtawy123]

Also, I'm REALLY NEW to this diet plan thingy. Am a total amateur to calorie counting or knowing how much specific weight of protein or fat I need to eat relative to my body weight and physical activities.

These are what I had today in an attempt to minimize carbs intake:

Morning - ice coffee with milk and no sweeteener
Lunch - salmon and salmon belly sashimi
Dinner - Fish Soup (an Singapore dish where a concentrated broth made of fish stock is poured over chunks of fish (mine had salmon and white fish), and vegetables like tomato, cabbage, lettuce and tofu) usually eaten with white rice or noodles but I had only the soup

 

[Guzzler]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback.

Yea as I grow older, I started to realise many staples that I grew up eating are in fact culprit of Diabetes. As a Chinese, I can't do without my rice, although I have gradually started asking for less or even halved portions.

Persuaded parents to replace white with brown rice occasionally, but they are stubborn and traditional as Chinese gets, and believe rice is essential for energy and completes a meal. If I'm not mistaken, an abundance of rice also signifies wealth in Chinese beliefs.

Meanwhile, I still feel parched, but I'm trying to cut the drinking lest I start peeing a lot. Not sure how much of this is due to psychological factors though. I had a very similar episode of thirst and frequent urination about 2 years back when I was serving the army (we are conscripted here in Singapore) and the Medical Officer sent me to a specialist diabetes clinic only for them to dismissed I was alright and probably overthinking. I have my fingers crossed it's the same issue this time round as well.

I'm worried about the 5.5 because while it is a normal reading, some website suggests that 5.5 is pre-diabetic or bordering it. Any reason why it didn't go lower despite me having fasted?

Will try to gradually cut out carbohydrates as I go along, but this seems to be a mammoth task, especially in my country where I feel the more economical options are also the unhealthiest. Also, very hard to fathom the fact that I have to entirely give up on sweet treats. Forgive me for sounding stupid, but is the occasional chocolate bar (the regular kind, not those healthier option with stevia whatever) alright for diabetics?

Will be doing the blood test in about 9 hours (it's past midnight here) and keep everyone updated. Thank you once again for the advice.

There is no use cutting down on rice (whatever colour) if you carry on binging on sugary treats. A treat is something to be had occasionally. Try having the traditional foods without pop, chocolate etc leaving those things out for a while, you will appreciate them more when you do have them.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I'm worried about the 5.5 because while it is a normal reading, some website suggests that 5.5 is pre-diabetic or bordering it. Any reason why it didn't go lower despite me having fasted?

As I mentioned in my earlier post, there are many things that affect a fasting test. Without going into the complicated science of it all, suffice to say that our bodies do not appreciate it when blood glucose is low. Too low and we die, simple as that. So when we go low, as we do in a fasted state, our liver sends its stores of glucose into the blood stream to help us. We also have stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, which appear when we are stressed, rushed, nervous, anxious etc and these trigger the liver to send out more glucose. It is a normal reaction. This is why a fasting glucose test is unreliable. It only becomes useful if it is exceptionally high or drastically low. Anything under 7mmol/l will normally be ignored by a doctor.

 

[ziggy_w]

Also, I'm REALLY NEW to this diet plan thingy. Am a total amateur to calorie counting or knowing how much specific weight of protein or fat I need to eat relative to my body weight and physical activities.

These are what I had today in an attempt to minimize carbs intake:

Morning - ice coffee with milk and no sweeteener
Lunch - salmon and salmon belly sashimi
Dinner - Fish Soup (an Singapore dish where a concentrated broth made of fish stock is poured over chunks of fish (mine had salmon and white fish), and vegetables like tomato, cabbage, lettuce and tofu) usually eaten with white rice or noodles but I had only the soup

Hi @Zmtawy123,

Your menu today sounds really good. You might think about replacing the milk with cream, but this is only a minor point.

Regarding the chocolate, usually 70% or higher cocoa content is fine as long as you limit portion size. I usually go for 85% or higher, but it might take a while until you get used to the more intense taste.

 

[TheBigNewt]

I'd chill out. If there's no glycosuria that's not making you pee a lot. Lay off the Dr. Pepper!

 

[Zmtawy123]

Went for the blood test early this morning, and had a doctor who wasn't too well-versed in drawing blood samples, had to endure a few needle insertions before he got the angle right (located the vein).

So far I've been to 4 doctors:

First - Did fasting prick test and urine test, NEGATIVE glucose in urine, 5.5 for the blood glucose. Was told I'm young and not to worry/overthink, don't recommend I go for further tests.

Second - Saw this doctor for a skin issue, and casually brought up diabetes. When told I'm a 5.5 during fasting prick test, he laughed it off and said with 5.5 he wouldn't even worry a bit.

Third - Got paranoid and went to another GP just yesterday. This was the clinic where I had a full body checkup in Aug 2016 (everything within normal range). She advised that while it is unlikely, she can do a more thorough check just to allow me to have a peace of mind.

Fourth - Went to a new doctor last night, just before my first post on this forum. This doctor had an altogether different opinion. Wanted to test me for kidney function, cholesterol as well as the HbA1c. Concerned about costs (I'm currently unemployed), he kindly assured me it won't burn a big hole and waived off consultation charges. Went this morning for the test, and he asked if I wanted to be test for thyroid function as well. I declined. Before leaving the clinic, he mentioned that if the thirst persists, and my results come back fine, I might have to do a scan for some pituitary gland to make sure it's not diabetes insipidus. Not sure why his response was so much different from the other 3, who assured I was probably alright and worrying too much.

My thirst is still lingering, but now I'm beginning to wonder if it's an effect of overreading on the disease on the internet. Haven't been urinating a lot or experiencing any other symptoms, but I have the occasional bout of fatigue earlier when I was in the train and yawning non-stop. But then again I've always had that problem and my sleeping hours are super irregular and insufficient.

Results will be back either on Friday or Monday, and I really pray it's me overanalysing the issue.

Meanwhile it's day 2 of cutting carbs and here's what I had:

Breakfast - 5 rashes of bacon and 3 eggs
Lunch - minced chicken, mushrooms with garlic, and 7 shrimps (all of them pan-fried with butter)
Pre-dinner - 2 soft boil eggs

Will start taking care of my diet but I'm flying off to Japan for a vacation on Tuesday. Will be eating as I wish (I know it's a sorry excuse) but it's something I've been planning and saving up for the longest time. Not gonna care about the sugar and calories intake for a week. YOLO first, then proper cutting when I'm back again.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. As others have said at 5.5 you don't appear to have diabetes but by keeping the carbs down it would delay it anyway and it's a healthier way of eating. As long as you have enough proteins and fats to match the low carb you shouldn't feel hungry so often and you do get used to it. We all binge from time to time but just keep your average carbs down.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Just to add that if you feel thirsty, then drink water. Your body is telling you that you need water and mild dehydration can make you feel a bit off centre.

Not drinking so you don't pee as much will not stop you having diabetes. If you are developing diabetes (although your tests so far aren't showing any signs) then drinking water is good for you because it is needed to flush out the extra sugar. Of course. you don't have any sugar in your urine so the thirst is unlikely to be related to diabetes.

You seem to have a lot of anxiety about diabetes - you have now seen 4 doctors, the last two in quick succession. I'm not sure why you didn't have some tests with your 3rd doctor such as HbA1c. From what you say your 3rd doctor seems sensible.

Bottom line: fasting BG of 5.5 and no sugar in urine. There is no obvious reason to diagnose diabetes. Exactly as your doctors have said. I would look beyond this to why you seem to want to be diagnosed with diabetes.

 

[ickihun]

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback.

Yea as I grow older, I started to realise many staples that I grew up eating are in fact culprit of Diabetes. As a Chinese, I can't do without my rice, although I have gradually started asking for less or even halved portions.

Persuaded parents to replace white with brown rice occasionally, but they are stubborn and traditional as Chinese gets, and believe rice is essential for energy and completes a meal. If I'm not mistaken, an abundance of rice also signifies wealth in Chinese beliefs.

Meanwhile, I still feel parched, but I'm trying to cut the drinking lest I start peeing a lot. Not sure how much of this is due to psychological factors though. I had a very similar episode of thirst and frequent urination about 2 years back when I was serving the army (we are conscripted here in Singapore) and the Medical Officer sent me to a specialist diabetes clinic only for them to dismissed I was alright and probably overthinking. I have my fingers crossed it's the same issue this time round as well.

I'm worried about the 5.5 because while it is a normal reading, some website suggests that 5.5 is pre-diabetic or bordering it. Any reason why it didn't go lower despite me having fasted?

Will try to gradually cut out carbohydrates as I go along, but this seems to be a mammoth task, especially in my country where I feel the more economical options are also the unhealthiest. Also, very hard to fathom the fact that I have to entirely give up on sweet treats. Forgive me for sounding stupid, but is the occasional chocolate bar (the regular kind, not those healthier option with stevia whatever) alright for diabetics?

Will be doing the blood test in about 9 hours (it's past midnight here) and keep everyone updated. Thank you once again for the advice.

Brown rice and white rice have same effect on me.
Our staples potato and bread has had to go in my diet. I picked up some cauliflower rice today in one of our well known supermarkets. Try it maybe?

 

[Zmtawy123]

Just to add that if you feel thirsty, then drink water. Your body is telling you that you need water and mild dehydration can make you feel a bit off centre.

Not drinking so you don't pee as much will not stop you having diabetes. If you are developing diabetes (although your tests so far aren't showing any signs) then drinking water is good for you because it is needed to flush out the extra sugar. Of course. you don't have any sugar in your urine so the thirst is unlikely to be related to diabetes.

You seem to have a lot of anxiety about diabetes - you have now seen 4 doctors, the last two in quick succession. I'm not sure why you didn't have some tests with your 3rd doctor such as HbA1c. From what you say your 3rd doctor seems sensible.

Bottom line: fasting BG of 5.5 and no sugar in urine. There is no obvious reason to diagnose diabetes. Exactly as your doctors have said. I would look beyond this to why you seem to want to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Hi, thanks for the reply!

You are spot on about be being anxious. I'm a wreck when it comes to health related stuff, otherwise I'm super positive.

Didn't do any advance testing with the third doctor because of 2 reasons:

1. The cost
2. They couldn't rush my results before I fly off on Monday night.

As such, I went with the fourth GP who promised me the results in 1-2 days.

The last thing I want is to be diagnosed, and I know (and am sorry) for being such a worrywart but the thirst is really working and making me more anxious and my unhealthy diet kinda points in the direction.

I've been told urine glucose and fasting prick test aren't very accurate because they don't show slightly elevated amounts (for the urine) and 5.5 borders on prediabetes. I apologize once again for whining. This is really difficult and new for me.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

@Zmtawy123 What is your source for 5.5 verging on pre-diabetes?

See https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html from this site which does not agree with that conclusion. By these guidelines you are well within the normal range.

I say again, if you are thirsty then drink water until you are no longer thirsty.
I may be wrong but you seem to be worrying about being thirsty and so you aren't drinking when you are thirsty. Then worrying that you are thirsty.

 

[Zmtawy123]

@Zmtawy123 What is your source for 5.5 verging on pre-diabetes?

See https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html from this site which does not agree with that conclusion. By these guidelines you are well within the normal range.

I say again, if you are thirsty then drink water until you are no longer thirsty.
I may be wrong but you seem to be worrying about being thirsty and so you aren't drinking when you are thirsty. Then worrying that you are thirsty.

Hey LittleGreyCat

Thanks for the prompt and lengthy reply once again.

I saw it here:

https://www.liverdoctor.com/high-blood-sugar-damaging/

I have been drinking sufficient water for the thirst, but agree that I could also be overthinking due to anxiety.

Whatever it is, I really detest and am fearful of the way I am now. And the lingering thirst/dry mouth (lips) have been there for more than a week thus the concern.

 

[NewTD2]

Hi @Zmtawy123,

I very much empathize with you. Frequent thirst and urination can be worrying as can be a potential diabetes diagnosis. Please understand, however, that we can't diagnose you as we are not medical professionals.

Fasting morning levels of 5.5 are normal. You say that you will have further blood tests including an HbA1c tests -- this should really help put your mind at rest whatever the outcome.

If, by any chance, your HbA1c should turn out to be prediabetic or diabetic, you will have the advantage of having caught it early and changing the way you eat will most likely normalize blood sugar levels.

After diagnosis I have switched to a low-carb diet and am still able to enjoy many foods. For example, I have found ways to make low-carb cheese cake, low-carb mousse au chocolate, low-carb brownies, low-carb carrot cake and also low-carb ice creams.

So, please don't worry too much. It's great that you are very proactive about this.

Can you please share those low carb cakes and ice cream recipes please darling?

Thank you!