Have I Got Diabetes?

[galvo]

Two years ago my GP gave me a blood sugar test - the reading was 18. I was then told that I had type 2 diabetes. Since that diagnosis I have reduced the amount of sugar I intake, but by no means have I cut sugar out altogether (I'm sucking on a lolly as I post). Since the original test my readings have varied from 4.2 to 5.6. I have had my eyes and feet examined by specialists- all OK.

Is there some sort of a test I can take to see if I really am diabetic?

I would really appreciate imput.

[dwcrawford]

Yes, there are most definitely tests you can take.  The Hemoglobin A1c  will test average BS for the pst 2 to 3 months and the Glucose test will give you instant readings.  You Internist or Enchronolist can give you the test and explaination.  Here the tests are included in the bi monthly lab reportgs (unless that's only because I am diabetic). I can't help because I don't know the numbers you give or their translation.  Unless you are talking about the Hemoglobin A1c in which case the desired result should be 6 or less or 7 or less for dialysis patients.  18 is extremely high and 4 and 5 are extremely good bordering on too low.  So I suspect your numbers mean something else.  At any given time my glucose s/b 80 to 180 depending on how far  from or close to meals, etc.  Don't see your numbers fitting there either.  Why do you guys have to make everything so hard.   Joke.

[Pam]

I'm with dwcrawford, I don't have a clue what your numbers mean. But ask to have the HC1 test run. that will give you some answers done. Your Dr may want to run a glucose tolerance test also.
Signs of high blood sugar and diabetes include
extreme thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
blurry vision
weakness and fatigue

I'm type 1 diabetic and when my BS runs high I am cranky and ornery , even though I don't mean to be.
Treatment for type1 and type 2 diabetes is not the same thing.
Type1 requires diet changes and insulin
Type 2 usually only needs oral meds diet change and sometimes just exercise and weight loss will take care of things.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes one of the most important things to do is get a glucometer and check you BS on a regular basis. knowing your numbers is the most important thing you can do to keep it in control.

Pam

[Chris]

Yep, the HbA1C test would need to be done. Glad you went to see an opthalmologist or Retinal Specialist to have your eyes checked. However if you are diabetic and sugar is not controlled, that can change quickly without you knowing it, so visits maybe every 6 months.

Some companies do give out free meters, but since your not in the US, your meter offerings maybe different compared to ours. However here pharmacies do give them free if you buy the strips. I forgot the conversion ratio of mmol's to mg/dl in order to get an idea of your range

Also most glucose meter companies have software you can download to keep track of test results and shows progress in graph and chart form, even the insulin companies have that here.
Good Luck.

[galvo]

Thanks all. My chem readings refer to "glucose". I'll talk to my docs and let you know what they say.

[Chris]

There are also home HbA1c test one can purchase that they may have at your pharmacy if doctor does not order one. Use it as a guideline, not a definative answwer though.

[galvo]

I brought this up with the Neph, and he checked back and said that a renal biopsy I had done showed that I do have diabetes.

The good news is that it is well contolled withou the use of insulin.

I expressed myself incorrectly, earlier. What I was referring to was my Glucose level, which should be betwwen 3.5 and 5.5 mmol/L and mine is 4.5!! I'm happy with that.

[galvo]

Back to the opthomologist to-day and, yep, left eye is just starting to show the beginning of Diabetes damage.

[Chris]

Sorry to hear, but glad it is caught early because having a detached retina from it is no fun.

[galvo]

Yeah. Thanks, mate. I always reckon it's better to know.