First tests for diabetes

[beth04]

Hello! Having test for diabetes but realy scared about results, any advice welcome!

[sandybrown]

If I may ask, what results did you get? Is it bold glucose or HbA1C?

First you need to understand the blood test results units.

Diabetics UK have full explanation. You can reduce the numbers with food intake control and regular exercise.

your general health, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, weight, waist and weight to height ratio also matters.

Good luck.

[Hidden]

It is better to have the results than not, so at least you can adjust diet etc. Undiagnosed diabetes is a real threat to health in both the short and long term. I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 12 years ago and it is managed by a combination of diet (low sugar) and Metformin three times a day. In addition to that, I get 12 monthly assessments of foot health (a risk) and an annual retinopathy where eye health is measured. Caution rather than fear is better! Mike

[ceejayblue]

Diabetes UK - diabetes.org.uk are a great organisation and they have lots of great information and educational tools for you. I was diagnosed 3.5years ago after a fasting glucose test but I had been glucose intolerant for many years and have diabetes in the family.

On diagnosis I was put on Metformin and statins - no problem for me but I did get the Metformin changed to the slow release version as the general one can (not always) cause tummy problems. I was 7.9 on diagnosis, last HbA1c in December was 6.4 and I'm aiming to get that down for my next test in June. I too have regular foot checks and an annual check and I have a great diabetic nursing team. By concentrating on my diet and exercise I am now able to stop taking one of my blood pressure tablets too.

A word of advice though, when reading labels on food, ignore the words "of which sugars". The main thing you should be looking at is the total carbohydrate content, sugar is a carb and is included in that total. For diabetics its not the "sugar" its the carbs. Also, just because you are diabetic don't buy "suitable for diabetics" food or treats, its full of sorbitol which is like a laxative and its usually more expensive!

Ask your diabetic team to refer you to do an educational course like the one provided by Xperthealth.org.uk I did the course 2 years ago and a refresher this year and found it extremely helpful.

The main thing is, not to worry, being diabetic isn't the end of the world as long as you learn to control it and not let it control you and never stop learning about it.

[sandybrown in reply to ceejayblue]

Hello, question on cab:

Wholemeal bread per slice, cab 13.3 g, sugar 1.0g.

Green top milk, 100ml, cab 4.8 g sugar 4.8 g.

Natural Yogurt, per 100g, cab 4.9g, sugar 4.9g, fat 9.4g, sat fat 6.7g.

If I take the above three as an example, which of three are bad for me?

Thank you.

[ceejayblue in reply to sandybrown]

None of them are bad for you! Just watch the total number of carbs you have each day (ignore the sugar - its a carb!). You need around 130g of carbs a day just to keep your internal organs and brain functioning plus the max recommended per day is 260g. Some people work on less than 130g but personally, I wouldn't go any lower than 130g and usually try to work on 150g a day (50g per meal and 45g for snacks or treats if needed).

Diabetics can eat anything in moderation and as long as you are careful you should be able to keep your levels under control. Just make sure also that you get your diabetic team to refer you to a suitable course.

[DRWF Partner]

For some helpful information, have a look at the DRWF leaflet What is diabetes?

It is available to download at drwf.org.uk/resources and can also be ordered by calling 023 92636136 or by emailing [e-mail].

In a recent article in the DRWF Diabetes Wellness News by Henrietta Mulnier RGN MSc PhD who is a Lecturer in Diabetes Nursing at King's College London. She also works clinically as an Honorary Diabetes Specialist Nurse at St Thomas' Hospital London. We looked at What is a glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c?

Here is an extract:

What do the numbers mean? The result of the test provides a good guide as to what the usual blood glucose level is like. There are a range of results. The lower results indicate normal glucose metabolism, through well managed blood glucose levels and pre-diabetes (42mmol/mol and 48mmol/mol).

The diagnostic level is 48mmol/mol and very well managed levels are below 53mmol/mol. Control is considered 'poor' above 75mmol/mol and the higher readings reflect those who really need more medication or intensive management.

Until recently HbA1c was not used to diagnose diabetes, but now that laboratory measurements have been standardised, it can be used as a diagnostic test in type 2 diabetes and can help to confirm the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. As type 2 diabetes is a progressive problem of insulin resistance (the insulin doesn't work very efficiently) and insufficient insulin production, type 2 diabetes comes on slowly and symptoms are often not reported until the blood glucose level has crept up quite high. Before recent awareness of diabetes, and the current NHS Health Checks, people often presented having had undiagnosed diabetes for many years and in some cases already had complications. The HbA1c test together with the Health Checks may well prove to avoid or at least reduce this problem.

For the rest of this article please get in touch for a copy of the newsletter, and for more information about a subscription and reduced fee for joining online please see drwf.org.uk/user/register.

[sandybrown]

Local chemist and some supermarket chemist off free fasting blood glucose tests.

You could go for one of the free test.

GP practice collect fasting blood in the morning before any food intake for blood glucose test.

For HbA1c as it is a 90 day count blood can be taken any time of the and not fasting blood.

Google can help you to understand the blood test results units and results.

[Activity2004 Administrator]

Did you get an Endocrinologist?