Worried about Test results

Lots of advice and sources of medical opinions here regarding diabetes, diet, exercise, supplements, protein, etc. How is one to know what to choose from the "menu" of ideas?

Perhaps I'm too trusting, but my PCP and Cardiologist are satisfied with my numbers and I'm taking that to mean I'm doing things (if not exactly correctly) well enough.

None of us gets out of here alive.:angel::cool:
How well were you doing before you started seeing the Doc's is a good place to start with the answer to your question of choices! (my bold above)
 
How is one to know what to choose from the "menu" of ideas?
Kind of like investing. One has to do the research and figure out what works for oneself. Each person is different. I think it is hard to come up with a one size fits all solution.

At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own decisions if it be investing, medical, or anything else.
 
I'm prediabetic (A1C 5.8, fasting glucose 88). I've always had normal fasting glucose, and this is the first time the doctor ordered an A1C for me, so I have no idea how long it's been too high.
Are you taking any medications or supplements which could negatively affect blood sugar levels (e.g. steroids, blood pressure, cholesterol lowering drugs, melatonin)?

Fasting glucose of 88 looks good (<100 mg/dL) - wish mine was that low!
 
Can it be worn on an inconspicuous part of the body? I've only ever seen them on the upper arm, and I don't want people asking questions at the gym (and they will).

Probably not. I think you have to put it on the back of your upper arm. That’s where I’ve always installed mine.

I rarely get asked about it, but when I do, I’m willing to share. Mostly questions about what it is and why I’m doing it, and I answer out of curiosity to see how foods affect my glucose.
 
I have my own blood sugar testing kit which I sometimes test several times a day if I am getting higher than 100 in the morning two days in a row. I also use it when I eat foods that I am uncertain how much sugar/carbs are in it. Yesterday I had a delicious Thai pasta salad with shrimp, with much reduced pasta. That thing is now ruled out as an item that I will order in the future. The dressing was the killer since I had maybe 3 strands of pasta.
 
You don’t need to chase "blood sugar spikes" with a CGM. They’re 100% normal. Your body has a built in management system for them. (Blood sugar that rises and stays elevated is the problem.) Healthy carbohydrates are very nutritious and cutting them out of your diet is unnecessary. Low carb diets can lead to other problems and doesn’t make any more sense than giving up exercise. Vinegar is bad for your tooth enamel and useless for your blood sugar.

Spikes can be normal, even though they should be minimized, but what you should be concerned about is recovery after a spike. That should be relatively quick and that’s not the case for everyone. That’s another benefit of a CGM. You can see how quickly your body recovers after a spike.
 
I am mainly trusting the recommendations of Dr Jessie Inchauspé.

But to answer your question, this is what I got out of Google:

Calf raises, also known as soleus push-ups, can help with blood sugar spikes by:

Improving insulin sensitivity: Making cells more responsive to insulin, which helps with glucose uptake
Improving blood circulation: Helps transport glucose and oxygen to cells throughout the body
Burning sugar: The soleus muscle uses glucose for energy, which lowers blood sugar levels
Increasing caloric expenditure: Helps with weight management and reducing the risk of insulin resistance
I have been doing calf raises daily for almost a year, part of recovery from my injury.
 
Amethyst-
I think you are fine.
But, I would ask for another test, make sure you are fasting for 12 hours. it won't affect the A1c, as that is a basic measurement over 3 months, but will give you an accurate FBS.
Also, a urine test for a hidden UTI. Women, as we age, can get them with very little symptoms, urinary frequency may be the only one.
However, urinary frequency is also a signal for diabetes.
I have worked with many healthy, active folks over the years with sudden diabetes diagnosis.
It can happen.

I have been pre diabetic for years, A1c always at 5.8-5.9. I started metformin only because diabetes runs heavily in my family.
Yes, I was careful to fast for 12 hours before the test.
 
I have watched some videos of the lady known as "Glucose Goddess". She is a French biochemist. She has recommended a few things to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. DW and I follow her recommendations.


1. Eat vegetables and plants first, then proteins and then starch
2. Walk after meals
3. Ankle raises
4. Drink apple cider vinegar with the "mother"

We drink this vinegar 30 minutes before dinner.
I think any activity, not just walking, will do.
Vinegar aggravates my LPR, but Nos. 1 and 2 are right in line with what I have done all my life, and I started No. 3 back in April as part of injury recovery.
 
Lots of
Are you taking any medications or supplements which could negatively affect blood sugar levels (e.g. steroids, blood pressure, cholesterol lowering drugs, melatonin)?
None of the above, as of yet. I have been on PPIs from time to time, but always get off them as fast as I can. I take occasional low OTC doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but only when experiencing aches and pains bad enough to interfere with sleep. As long as I can sleep, I would rather tolerate some pain, than risk the organ damage that NSAIDs can cause over time - plus, I've read that NSAIDs can actually interfere with injury recovery.
 
How well were you doing before you started seeing the Doc's is a good place to start with the answer to your question of choices! (my bold above)
Sorry, I don't follow. Explain further, please.
 
Kind of like investing. One has to do the research and figure out what works for oneself. Each person is different. I think it is hard to come up with a one size fits all solution.

At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own decisions if it be investing, medical, or anything else.
Where I've ended up is trusting my docs. I've done my own research but don't have the expertise that they do.

IOW this discussion is interesting but I'm deferring to my doctors. Nothing personal and I'm sure everyone is sincere in their responses. Thanks to all.
 
Probably not. I think you have to put it on the back of your upper arm. That’s where I’ve always installed mine.

I rarely get asked about it, but when I do, I’m willing to share. Mostly questions about what it is and why I’m doing it, and I answer out of curiosity to see how foods affect my glucose.
By now, I suspect most people have seen the commercial and know exactly what that device on the upper arm is. I'd not be particularly sensitive about wearing it myself, but we'er all different so YMMV.
 
Thanks to everyone for your insights! Have no fear, I will definitely be seeing my Dr. In the meantime, your insights are more helpful than you know.

Especially thanks for the tip about Stelo. I just ordered one for my own edification.
I haven't seen their ads. Figured out what they must be from seeing them on other people. Frankly, I don't look forward to being asked about my health by noseys at the gym who see one on my arm, and was hoping I could conceal it on my lower back or something ;^>
 
Amethyst,

Consider a consultation with a nephrologist. There are also registered dietitians who work solely with nephrology patients as well. (Maybe the RD can suggest some protein bar recipes to try your baking skills on!)

I don’t have diabetes or CKD, but the PCP was concerned about chronic low blood sodium and referred me to nephrology. The nephrologist explained which set of tests needed to be performed concurrently and how to interpret test results. The PCP had ordered the tests but at different times, so those results were inconclusive. Also the range of what the nephrologist deemed as acceptable was wider than the “normal” range on the test results. So for me, seeing the nephrologist was much more helpful.

Finally, if you have concern that “nosy busybodies” might question if you are wearing a Stelo, examine why you care about what they think. But if it matters to you, why not do a little role playing in advance to come up with your “script” if you are asked? Or maybe just wear a baggy long sleeve workout shirt to conceal it.
 
Especially thanks for the tip about Stelo. I just ordered one for my own edification.
I haven't seen their ads. Figured out what they must be from seeing them on other people. Frankly, I don't look forward to being asked about my health by noseys at the gym who see one on my arm, and was hoping I could conceal it on my lower back or something ;^>

I live in an area with poor demographics and there are 3 freestanding dialysis centers (that I know of) within 10 miles of me. Since kidney failure is one long-run consequence of diabetes, I'm guessing that's why there's so much demand for it. You're being proactive and trying to prevent diabetes. It may be a teaching moment for some people if you explain your motivation.
 
I have watched some videos of the lady known as "Glucose Goddess". She is a French biochemist. She has recommended a few things to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. DW and I follow her recommendations.


1. Eat vegetables and plants first, then proteins and then starch
2. Walk after meals
3. Ankle raises
4. Drink apple cider vinegar with the "mother"

We drink this vinegar 30 minutes before dinner.
I think any activity, not just walking, will do.
# 1

My understanding. Eat protein first. Vegetables 2nd. Carbs/starch Last ! :)
 
Took the test. I am high? Why? 174 - 200 lbs, 81 years old, 5'10", active with no family risk? White, No HBP?

The test is BS.
 
Took the test. I am high? Why? 200 lbs, 81 years old, 5'10", active with no family risk? No HBP?
Maybe because you are old. :) My doctor said everyone is pre-diabetic and it's a matter of whether you die first or get diabetes first.

Mine also came in high even though I am under their lowest weight range, but I have family risk.
 
I didn't read the whole thread, so not sure if this has already been mentioned, but you might want to look into taking a daily chromium supplement. Chromium picolinate, specifically, has been studied extensively and has been shown to have some beneficial effects on the regulation of insulin action. I recently started taking a chromium supplement to see if it helps improve my borderline (5.6-5.8) A1C numbers.

Here is an abstract from PubMed regarding the role of chromium in insulin resistance:
Chromium is an essential mineral that appears to have a beneficial role in the regulation of insulin action and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Chromium is an important factor for enhancing insulin activity. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease. Insulin resistance is the common denominator in a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors. One out of every five Americans has metabolic syndrome. It affects 40% of people in their 60s and 70s. Insulin resistance, with or without the presence of metabolic syndrome, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is present in two serious health problems in women; polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes. Several studies have now demonstrated that chromium supplements enhance the metabolic action of insulin and lower some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in overweight individuals. Chromium picolinate, specifically, has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Dietary chromium is poorly absorbed. Chromium levels decrease with age. Supplements containing 200-1,000 mcg chromium as chromium picolinate a day have been found to improve blood glucose control. Chromium picolinate is the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation. Numerous animal studies and human clinical trials have demonstrated that chromium picolinate supplements are safe.
 
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Maybe because you are old. :) My doctor said everyone is pre-diabetic and it's a matter of whether you die first or get diabetes first.

Mine also came in high even though I am under their lowest weight range, but I have family risk.
That's it, thanks. Once you are past your expiration date, you must be automatically high risk on any test.
 
I didn't read the whole thread, so not sure if this has already been mentioned, but you might want to look into taking a daily chromium supplement. Chromium picolinate, specifically, has been studied extensively and has been shown to have some beneficial effects on improving glucose function (and reducing insulin resistance). I recently started taking a chromium supplement to see if it helps improve my borderline (5.6-5.8) A1C numbers.

Here is an abstract from PubMed regarding the role of chromium in insulin resistance:
My husband and I started taking berberine supplement two months ago. So far, it seems to have brought our blood sugar numbers down when we check after meals and in the morning. Our next a1C test is in April so we see.
 
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