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Glucose test after Covid

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
E

Ezra

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Hi folks, I have tested negative today after a bout of Covid

I am going for a fasting glucose test sometime this week to see if I have diabetes or not.
However, I have read that research is looking into whether Covid can raise glucose levels. So just wondering if anyone has had any issues during or following covid refarding raised glucose.
Basically I dont know whether to wait a while between the end of my covid and the glucose test
Cheers
 
If Covid has increased your blood sugars enough to give you diabetes then it’s even more important to know about it then you can make some changes. Don’t delay the tests.
 
If it is an HbA1C test then it covers a period of about 3 months so the last week or so when you had Covid won't make a huge difference to the result.
 
Lucyr said:
If Covid has increased your blood sugars enough to give you diabetes then it’s even more important to know about it then you can make some changes. Don’t delay the tests.
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Thank you. I wasn't sure if Covid could just temporarily increase glucose levels and give a king of false positive result
 
Ezra said:
Thank you. I wasn't sure if Covid could just temporarily increase glucose levels and give a king of false positive result
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Maybe it can, but they're not likely to rely on just a fasting glucose test. They'll want to confirm with HbA1c.
 
Are they just doing a blood test for diabetes or are they also going to do a range of other tests for cholesterol etc, which may be why it has been requested as a fasting test, as some GPs still like to have a fasting cholesterol. I do wonder what the point is of doing a fasting blood glucose as it is not used for diagnostic purposes so it is just a random test and doesn't tell you much if anything, certainly not in regard to diabetes. If it was very high, then you would do an HbA1c anyway, so why waste time and money with a fasting BG test.
Covid is known to raise BG levels, particularly in people whose metabolism is already struggling like Type 2 diabetics. It can also trigger Type 1 diabetes, as can other viruses/infection, or shock or trauma or even a vaccine. Anything which stirs up your immune system, in someone already prone to autoimmune conditions. So, yes Covid could have raised your BG levels significantly enough to tip you over into diabetes territory if you are already borderline or your body is struggling. The HbA1c covers the past 3 months but is more heavily weighted towards recent BG levels. If you do not have diabetes symptoms, then technically you should require 2 HbA1c results of 48 or more to confirm your diagnosis I believe, so even if it is an HbA1c test and you are over 47, you should be retested in which case you may have time to bring it down. If you already had an HbA1c in the diabetic range and this is your second one and you have been taking steps to prevent the diagnosis, then it might be wise to delay the test and give your body longer to recover from the possible effects of Covid. Have you been home testing and if so, seen any increase in readings?.... Home testing is so helpful in enabling you to see if your body is responding to the dietary/lifestyle changes you have made, as well as during illness.
 
If it is a test for diagnosis then that is usually an HbA1C that would normally be done and does not need to be fasting.
 
Ezra said:
I am having a few tests but the GP definitely said the fasting glucose would be more accurate
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It will make no difference to an HbA1C but may be needed for the other tests, some GPs specify fasting for cholesterol test.
 
Ezra said:
Does the tel number on here connect you to diabetes nurses? Just not sure what to do now ‍♂️
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If you have not already had an HbA1C test and as you are also having other tests then you should book it as your GP obviously had reason to ask you to get the blood tests.
 
I rang them to ask for a test as i have a yeast infection. She said i may as well have the range of tests as its been a coiple of yrs since i did see them. I paid for a private HBAC1 test in 2020 and that was normal. But since then my exercise and diet regime went awry due to injury
 
Ezra said:
Does the tel number on here connect you to diabetes nurses? Just not sure what to do now ‍♂️
Click to expand...
You should book the test as your GP advised you to, you can work out what to do about the results when you have them. They may be completely normal but you won't know unless you get it tested
 
Hi @Ezra Did you go for your blood tests ok? I hope so 🙂 I remember from your last thread that you’ve been very anxious about getting diabetes, so it’s sensible to have a check and some general checks too.

Do let us know how you get on 🙂
 
Hi Inka, thank you for your message. I spoke to the GP who agreed to do some blood tests inc glucose. I have found myself dithering having read and informed on here that covid can increase glucose levels. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place tbh
 
Ezra said:
Hi Inka, thank you for your message. I spoke to the GP who agreed to do some blood tests inc glucose. I have found myself dithering having read and informed on here that covid can increase glucose levels. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place tbh
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You’re worried you might have diabetes. You have had an illness recently that can occasionally raise blood sugars, it won’t necessarily have done this for you, and was recent enough that it won’t affect the 3 month average test. If you do have diabetes then you need to know asap.

Your GP has offered to test to see if you do have diabetes or to put your mind at rest that you dont

Seems pretty clear what the next logical step is to me, go for the test. What are you actually worried about happening?
 
Ezra said:
Hi Inka, thank you for your message. I spoke to the GP who agreed to do some blood tests inc glucose. I have found myself dithering having read and informed on here that covid can increase glucose levels. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place tbh
Click to expand...

As Lucy says, the effect would be minimal if there was any effect at all. Get the test done. If there’s any ambiguity, they’ll just repeat it or do an HbA1C 🙂
 
Lucyr said:
You’re worried you might have diabetes. You have had an illness recently that can occasionally raise blood sugars, it won’t necessarily have done this for you, and was recent enough that it won’t affect the 3 month average test. If you do have diabetes then you need to know asap.

Your GP has offered to test to see if you do have diabetes or to put your mind at rest that you dont

Seems pretty clear what the next logical step is to me, go for the test. What are you actually worried about happening?
Click to expand...
Im worried that my glucose may be temporarily raised due to the covid and being potentially dx with diabetes as a result when it may not actually be diabetes
 
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