I recently had two fasting glucose tests. The first came back with a reading of 122 and the second with a reading of 128. A
more extensive test has been order to view levels of the last three months.
My concern is this: I was given the results from two different doctors. The first felt the 122 reading was significant enough to order a second test and the other more extensive test. I was given the second reading of 128 from another doctor in the office. This one did not seem to think there was anything to worry about and I should just try to remember to be tested once a year due to my family history of diabetes. So, who do I believe? Should I just wait on the other test results? Is there reason for concern or should I just dismiss it and have another test in a year?
My father and his father had
type 1 diabetes.
My grandmother and brother have
type 2 diabetes.
I am 32 and slightly overweight, but do exercise three to five time a week. I follow a low-carb diet, but do suffer from an occasional sweet tooth.
I am just
confused and don't know if I should take this seriously or just dismiss it and move on. Please advise. Thank you!
Answer
With your family history you certainly are at risk for diabetes. You did not mention if you have been pregnant, if you were and had diabetes during pregnancy
that is another indication of your risk. The fasting blood tests you had indicate that your sugar is a little high. The current definition of diabetes is two blood sugars higher than 125. A sugar between 100 and 125 is called prediabetes. As you can see you are right on the borderline. Watching your weight, a decrease of 5-10% can make a difference, and exercising (can be walking 30 minutes a day 4-5 times a week) will help to delay or perhaps prevent the development of diabetes if it is in your future. Other health issues it is important to follow are your blood pressure and the fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood.
These are often high in people who have slightly high sugars, long before they ever develop clear cut diabetes.
No one can be sure that you will develop diabetes, clearly you are at higher than average risk. Keep up the good work on
diet and exercise and have your fasting blood sugar tested at least yearly, depending on the results of the pending tests.
lbb
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