Pre-diabetic, questions and concerns. Can anyone help?

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LadyLilion
LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
edited June 2017 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all. I hope someone can give me some information.

I have not been diagnosed as diabetic, only “pre-diabetic”, but frankly I’m thinking of changing doctors. My old doctor retired and I really don’t like my current one as she seems only interested in treating things like colds and sprains and not really worrying about general health. In 2016, my a1c was 6. In March 2017, it was 6.5. She put me on Metformin, 500 mg 1 x per day, which I take at night. I haven’t bothered with the taking it with meals since I always forget and I have had no stomach upset at all, so I just take it with other meds. 4 months later, I was back to 6 and she was pleased. However, my fasting blood sugar was over 140! It had been 126 or so the time before that! My husband (a1c of 7) was diagnosed as diabetic and given a meter, so I’ve used his a time or two and my fasting blood sugar is always over 130. For instance, this morning, about an hour after I got up, and with no food, it was 136.

The fasting blood sugar being so high has me quite concerned. Since I don’t have a meter or test strips of my own, I haven’t been taking it regularly so he doesn’t run out. He's only had his meter a couple weeks, so I've only tested a few times. But…he’s the one with diabetes, yet my sugar is always higher than his. Literally every time we’ve tested at the same time, I’m higher.

I guess, I’m wondering if my doctor is a quack. Maybe I should get a second opinion. It’s not that I’m hoping to be fully diabetic – but shouldn’t I be doing something differently if I am? I've been given no real instructions, just a pill. I mention that I've lost weight and I get :|"That's nice."
No input, no diet suggestions, no prescription for testing supplies, no...anything.

Should probably add, I’m 53, 5’10” and currently 288 lbs. March 5, when we got serious about improving our health, I was at 306…so on the way down. No diabetes in my family. I have a VERY sedentary job, which has been a challenge, but I'm working on getting more steps in. I see a dietician once a month and she’s set my MFP calories at 1900 (about to lower that, but 1900 has gotten me right at 1 lb a week loss) and 45% carbs, 25% protein and 30% fat. I usually stay under on carbs…not so good with the others. I take a TON of pills. Lipitor for cholesterol, THREE BP pills – my BP is hard to control, at my thinnest – 228 a few years ago, I was down to 2, but as I gained back what I'd lost, the 3rd pill had to be put back on. I have a heart murmur and arrhythmia too but neither bother me at all. Everyone in my family who is dead has died of heart disease…almost literally everyone. I had a cardiologist, but he released me a couple years ago as I was doing just fine.

You know, I don’t even know what I’m asking here…I just saw that 136 this morning – again – and it kind of freaked me out when I realized that is a high fasting blood sugar even for a diabetic.


Words of wisdom? Suggestions? Information? I searched groups - but there doesn't seem to be one geared at diabetics...
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Replies

  • BlueSkyShoal
    BlueSkyShoal Posts: 325 Member
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    First, congrats on losing 18 pounds! That's awesome!

    I don't have much knowledge on the medical front, but it sounds like your doctor is kind of "checked out". I think changing doctors would be a good idea. You shouldn't have to put up with a doctor who makes you feel abandoned.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
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    by doctor - are you talking primary care or endocrinologist?
  • LadyLilion
    LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
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    Thanks for responding. Primary Care physician, not specialist. I'd need a referral to see an endocrinologist and I frankly don't think my doctor cares enough to bother. She isn't bad, she's just...cold. I don't expect my primary care doctor to be my buddy...but I'd think they'd care about a little thing like your overall health.
  • debtay123
    debtay123 Posts: 1,327 Member
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    Along with checking into the doctor idea- I am in the process of reading the 8 week blood sugar diet by micheal mosley- it has some good information. I am not diabetic either however my mom is pre-diabetic and my whole family has diabetes in many family members- think about getting a copy of this book- or at least go to youtube and look it up- I will not eat exactly but it will help with the tweaks to be made in our diet- also since you do not eat a lot of sugary carbs- you will probably do really well on it.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
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    depending on your insurance, you may not need a referral (I know I don't)
  • sderika
    sderika Posts: 19 Member
    edited June 2017
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    I am not a doctor, but I would 100% agree that your fasting blood sugar readings are way too high, and consistent with full-blown diabetes. You should get in to see someone ASAP. Bring clear documentation of the blood sugar readings you have taken, as well as some info from the internet such as from the ADA website. It's very clear that with a fasting blood sugar reading over 126, you are considered to be diabetic. You need treatment because high blood sugar is very damaging to the body. Go be your own advocate, and don't accept no for an answer! Good luck!
  • LadyLilion
    LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
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    deannalfisher wrote: »
    depending on your insurance, you may not need a referral (I know I don't)

    Is there a real benefit to seeing an endocrinologist vs. a "regular" doctor early on?
    debtay123 wrote: »
    Along with checking into the doctor idea- I am in the process of reading the 8 week blood sugar diet by micheal mosley- it has some good information. I am not diabetic either however my mom is pre-diabetic and my whole family has diabetes in many family members- think about getting a copy of this book- or at least go to youtube and look it up- I will not eat exactly but it will help with the tweaks to be made in our diet- also since you do not eat a lot of sugary carbs- you will probably do really well on it.

    I'll have to look that up. Thanks!
  • YvetteK2015
    YvetteK2015 Posts: 653 Member
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    LadyLilion wrote: »
    Thanks for responding. Primary Care physician, not specialist. I'd need a referral to see an endocrinologist and I frankly don't think my doctor cares enough to bother. She isn't bad, she's just...cold. I don't expect my primary care doctor to be my buddy...but I'd think they'd care about a little thing like your overall health.

    I had a PCP like that once. She was so cold, and shrugged off problems I was having. I left that practice real quick. I learned a long time ago that you need to be an advocate for yourself with your doctors. With a previous doctor, I had so many bad symptoms that this doc just kept saying it was nothing and wouldn't investigate. About 4 months after my first complaint, I was in the ER being told by 3 doctors that I had a huge tumor in my chest.
    Never again will I have a doctor who is dismissive and cold. Ever.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
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    an endocrinologist specializes in diseases like diabetes, thyroid conditions - so tends to be (although not always) - more in sync with current research/guidelines for treatment etc
  • LadyLilion
    LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
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    My husband quite likes his doctor who is much more holistic in her approach, for lack of a better term. When he started seeing her she did copious blood tests, including vitamins and such, prescribed him (I believe vitamin D) supplements and he actually has noticed a difference how he feels, energy levels, etc. Of course, she is the one who prescribed his Metformin as well.

    I think I'm going to see if she's taking new patients. My insurance is quite good as I work in state government. I can see pretty much any doctor in this town, though I do need referrals for specialists.

    I'd rather be yelled at about my weight and blood sugar than have it ignored. Heck, I'd rather they burn incense and chant than do nothing at all.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
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    I know my PCM right now is enrolled in the whole body program - so they look at whole body health and not just symptoms of illness/injury, my insurance designates practioners who do that
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 9,986 Member
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    If you don't have confidence in your doctor, you should definitely look into changing.

    But wouldn't you rather not develop diabetes, than have a doctor who will prescribe something for prediabetes or diabetes? Losing weight and getting more exercise can normalize your blood glucose levels, and no doctor can make you do that. I realize you've already started on that, but I guess (just based on this one post, and I realize that's just a tiny snapshot into who you are) I feel like you're misplacing your mental and emotional energy on worrying about whether to change doctors (yeah, just do that) rather than on the things you can do yourself that could make a doctor's willingness to prescribe something or scold you irrelevant.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    Here's to put your mind a ease somewhat.
    https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/controlling-the-dawn-phenomenon/

    I think the dawn phenomenon is giving you your high fasting numbers.

    Keep working with your dietitian. Before I lost significant weight (over eighty pounds) I was on cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes (Metformin) medications. I'm not on any pills now. Losing the weight with the assistance of a dietitian can make a world of difference.

    Squawk to whoever you need to for your own glucometer. Like you, I started taking control as soon as I got the prediabetes diagnosis. It pays to take this seriously, and you are taking all the right steps.
  • LadyLilion
    LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
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    earlnabby wrote: »
    LadyLilion wrote: »
    It had been 126 or so the time before that! My husband (a1c of 7) was diagnosed as diabetic and given a meter, so I’ve used his a time or two and my fasting blood sugar is always over 130. For instance, this morning, about an hour after I got up, and with no food, it was 136.

    The fasting blood sugar being so high has me quite concerned. Since I don’t have a meter or test strips of my own, I haven’t been taking it regularly so he doesn’t run out. He's only had his meter a couple weeks, so I've only tested a few times. But…he’s the one with diabetes, yet my sugar is always higher than his. Literally every time we’ve tested at the same time, I’m higher.

    I want to address this separately. High fasting BG numbers in the morning can often be caused by something called "Dawn Syndrome". Basically, your body releases glucose into your system to prepare you to wake up and start your day. Not everyone has it, but is is very common. My morning numbers average around 120 but my pre-lunch numbers are closer to 100 and pre-dinner are around 95. This is why the A1C is the better number for seeing how well you are managing your BG.

    Walmart has an inexpensive meter you can get with no prescription. Relion brand. The meter is $18 and you can get 100 test strips for $18. I use it for my additional readings and use my insurance-paid one for my morning fasting readings.

    Thank you, I'll consider that. I appreciate the information as well. I'll try getting a meter of my own and try at later times of the day. My readings are throwing off my husband's average anyway.
    lynn_glenmont wrote: »
    If you don't have confidence in your doctor, you should definitely look into changing.

    But wouldn't you rather not develop diabetes, than have a doctor who will prescribe something for prediabetes or diabetes? Losing weight and getting more exercise can normalize your blood glucose levels, and no doctor can make you do that. I realize you've already started on that, but I guess (just based on this one post, and I realize that's just a tiny snapshot into who you are) I feel like you're misplacing your mental and emotional energy on worrying about whether to change doctors (yeah, just do that) rather than on the things you can do yourself that could make a doctor's willingness to prescribe something or scold you irrelevant.

    Well if no one TELLS me what to do, I don't know...now do I? That's the issue. I already have a Rx and really, I'd rather NOT have someone just throw drugs at me. I don't want to be "scolded". I just want a doctor who will tell me what to do here. What I get is, "Oh your a1c is high. Have a pill and come back in 4 months." I have a concern and I can't even get in to see this woman for weeks generally. So yes, I'm definitely changing doctors.

    I guess I was more wondering if this is just par for the course. I don't have any diabetic friends. My husband was literally diagnosed weeks ago, so he's new to this. If it's possible to actually reverse this and NOT become diabetic, that's the best possible outcome. But I don't get any feedback from my doctor. So I'm asking here.

  • sparky00721
    sparky00721 Posts: 113 Member
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    earlnabby wrote: »

    I want to address this separately. High fasting BG numbers in the morning can often be caused by something called "Dawn Syndrome". Basically, your body releases glucose into your system to prepare you to wake up and start your day. Not everyone has it, but is is very common. My morning numbers average around 120 but my pre-lunch numbers are closer to 100 and pre-dinner are around 95. This is why the A1C is the better number for seeing how well you are managing your BG.


    I was recently diagnosed as diabetic, with a very high recent HbA1c number (10.4) and am now on Metformin, though at twice your dose. I had been noted in 2013 as pre-diabetic with an A1c number of 6, but was not prescribed anything other than a "lose some weight, tubby" - advice which I promptly ignored for years.

    You should bring all your information forward to the appropriate health care provider, but for what it is worth, based on my panicked recent attempts at self-education and my doctor's advice as per Canadian protocols (not sure if those protocols may be different in the States), my understanding is the same as earlnabby's - the HbA1c results are the really important one for Type 2 diabetics (complete other situation for Type 1 diabetics).

    In addition to the advice you mention, my understanding is that regular exercise (both cardio and resistance) are really important components of beneficial lifestyle changes in addition to weight loss for diabetics; regular exercise is important for reasons independent of whatever contribution it may make to weight loss.

    Congratulations on the weight loss (awesome) and on getting your a1c number down to 6, which in Canada is considered to be managed for diabetics!
  • sparky00721
    sparky00721 Posts: 113 Member
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    earlnabby wrote: »
    5 months of losing 1 lb a week, eating moderate carb, and exercising, my A1C was down to 5.6. Three months later it was 5.3 and I was having low blood sugar moments so I was taken off the glipizide. I have managed my diabetes with moderate carbs and exercise ever since. my A1C has stayed between 5.0 and 5.2 for 2 years.

    That is an awesome story to hear; thanks for sharing. I have announced all-out war against my recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes with the goal of reducing my a1c readings enough that I might over time wean off recently-prescribed Metformin (plus precautionary medication relating to cholesterol and blood pressure).

    It is encouraging to read success stories such as yours.

  • Daddy78230
    Daddy78230 Posts: 125 Member
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    LadyLilion wrote: »

    Words of wisdom? Suggestions? Information? I searched groups - but there doesn't seem to be one geared at diabetics...

    Here's an active MFP group with good info: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1772-type-2-diabetes-support-group

    I use Bayer Contour Next Monitor and strips. You can find a meter for $5.00 on Amazon and 100 strips between $20.00- $25.00.

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