Scared as I may be diabetic

Only your doctor can diagnose if you are diabetic. You should ask him/her directly if you are or are not. Some more tests may need to be done.

7.7 is in the diabetic range, but your doctor will make a diagnosis based on all the factors, not just one test.

In the meantime you could cut out all sugar and sugary drinks, including cakes, biscuits etc. It should make a difference.

Oh! Don't panic, 7.7 is high but not mega high, it's best belolw 7, or even 6 if you can manage it, many can't.

Hi, Tigerlily, and welcome!

Be positive - maybe this is just the wake-up call you've been needing! I can say that because, quite honestly, Type 2 diabetes could be just about the best thing that ever happened to me!

I weighed over 21 stone when diagnosed 18 months ago. SInce then I have gone low-carb, lost 4 stone, and brought my blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol down to very acceptable levels. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I have a very good reason for doing it now - I don't want diabetic complications!

You obviously know enough about diabetes to know that you don't want it :shock: You've been given a warning, but you've got a good chance to do something about it before it really gets hold of you.

Only your doctor can tell you if you're diabetic or not, but my personal experience tells me that you should treat yourself as if you are diabetic, keep an eye on your blood glucose levels, and get some weight off. You've obviously got the potential to become diabetic, so the best thing to do is eat as if you are and then you never will be!

Confused? I know I am :lol:

Cut out those carbs, eat as you have been doing, and go for it. Get used to reading food labels. Buy a Carb Counter book (Collins Gem series do a pocket-sized one) and decide how many carbs you're going to eat every day. I aim for under 50g, but I'm extreme. Try for 100g a day and see how that works. Do a bit of extra exercise every day, if you can - work it up gently. It all helps.

And don't beat yourself up about it. You can still have birthdays and Christmas off, and go out for nice meals, but don't treat yourself every day :wink:

Good luck! It's not the end of the world, you know - and you're probably not quite there yet anyway!

Viv 8)

I agree with Viv pretty much all the way...excellent advice.

only a doctor can dx you hun,

If you want to know, go to the doc. Be prepared to be unwilling or unable to cope with the consequences. If you don't want to know just carry on. If you fear the worst, it will probably turn out to be true, but you may just be able to change it.

Accordingy to DESMOND, you only have to test twice a year, so if you're worried about Xmas, get a test on w/c 16 Dec and go on a serious diet regime on the 26th.

It won't change anything, but your figures will be so much better!

You can still enjoy Christmas - we're all allowed a treat now and again. Just be aware of what you're eating and avoid too many carbs - it is possible, promise!

Viv 8)

Let us know the results, Tigerlily! You know we'll help as much as we can.

I started a thread the other day called 'Strategies for Christmas'. Have you seen it? It might give you some tips - diabetic or not!

Viv 8)

Tigerlily, according to NICE guidelines, non-diabetic fasting blood tests should be between 3.5 and 5.5.

I would think you are probably very nearly Type 2, but have been caught early enough that you can do something about it.

Don't forget I'm not qualified, so you do need to see what the diabetic nurse has to say. I hope s/he (ours is male) is a nice person that you can really talk to. They have to give the official line about diet, but you could ask what s/he thinks about low-carb, just to test the water. Say you've altered your diet since the first test, which you think has helped.

S/he'll probably test your feet for pulse and feeling, and a few other things besides. I hope you get chance to have a good chat. Don't forget to come back and tell us how you get on! and meanwhile, don't worry too much, and stick to the diet.

Good luck!

Viv 8)