hey @collegefbfan, you should read this:

http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(14)00332-3/fulltext

Sounds as if you are either T2 or pre-diabetic, so this is a vital read for you. It does get a bit technical in places. I know I had to google some of the terms as I went through it, but it is something everyone, especially diabetics, pre-diabetics and those with any type of insulin resistance should read.

Even just looking at the charts and graphs will get you a pretty good understanding of the basic info.

just that you mentioned A1c test. Prior to being diagnosed last year, I had no idea what that was and most people I have talked to that are not either pre- or diabetic knew what it was either when I mentioned it.

A fasting blood sugar that's above normal would lead a physician to check A1c level.

collegefbfan wrote: »

what makes me sound type 2 diabetic or pre diabetic????? I was asking what if

In your original post it sounded like you were anxious to see of LCHF could improve your numbers too. Was my original impression. It's great that you aren't! I wasn't either even though I have a strong family history too.

LCHF has the ability to reverse many disorders of the human body. Carbs are doing more damage to people than they could ever realize! Until they're eliminated people won't be able to see the difference!

collegefbfan wrote: »

my doctor did that test like 8 years ago.. or at least mentioned it... they didn't check it recently though... sorry I should have probably mentioned that... what would make a doctor check a1c? I thought they would all check it just to be safe

As far as I'm familiar, they wouldn't check A1c or fasting blood glucose without being suspicious of metabolic issues. Maybe sudden weight gain or some other symptom at some time made him wonder.
Also, in some experiences I'm familiar with, they may even report that your A1c is "normal" and nothing to worry about when it is in fact showing evidence of insulin resistance. The standards are just too lax and people aren't even aware they do have signs of it very early on when it can be corrected so much more easily.
Keep in mind that 1 in 3 Americans are insulin resistant according to CDC 2014 statistics. 90% of them are probably completely unaware. (Made up number from my noggin).
I'm even starting to think I was and that's a big part of what drove my candy addiction. I think I may have been right in the beginnings of developing it. A few more years of that may have lead to hypo episodes and continued to progress as I got older. I'm so glad I realized my candy habit was a problem even though I wasn't fully aware of what it could've become.




Edited to say that 90% is apparently not a made up number from my noggin as this chart actually says so much...

To my knowledge doctors usually look at cholesterol numbers to predict potential heart problems. Since beginning eating keto in early August my numbers for this has improved in all areas except HDL. My A1C is also down .2. Blood pressure remains controlled on medication. Other autoimmune issues are also improved. I only eat meat, fat, and salt. For many people this is the best WOE to be at optimal health. Finally, I think any weight loss puts less strain on the heart.

Cheating with keto is not cheating! Neither are low carb desserts within reason...

Good luck to you!

collegefbfan wrote: »

my doctor did that test like 8 years ago.. or at least mentioned it... they didn't check it recently though... sorry I should have probably mentioned that... what would make a doctor check a1c? I thought they would all check it just to be safe.

Darn right!

A single, fasting glucose test is a medieval way to test for diabetes. A lot of us T2Ds will have low (well, "normal") fasting BG after a 12-hour fast - but how much of our lives do we spend in that kind of fasting state?

Given the statistics, like the numbers cited by @Sunny_Bunny_ (aka, Salty_Bunny_ ....), one should expect any annual physical to include an A1c test for anyone over 30 or so. It is a heck of a lot cheaper to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome than to treat the cavalcade of conditions people with T2D are more likely to develop. Even insurance companies are liberalizing diabetes testing and education coverage......

Of course, an A1C test itself is a poor substitute for the real thing:

cdebracy wrote: »

A1C's can be a decent indicator, but if you have a blow out and spike your blood sugar, the A1C could show higher than should. I've been logging my BG readings each time I test so I can use that more of a gauge. I'm still higher in the am than elsewhere in the day, so trying to take that into account.

Here's a thoughtful article, How to use your blood glucose meter as a fuel gauge.

(FWIW, if my BG is higher than I think it should be, I'll restrict myself to high-fat food only - like macadamia nuts .... mmmmm! - till it comes down.)