New and confused

[Forgetful55]

Hello

I had gestational diabetes in three of my pregnancies (many moons ago) I am now 55 and have just had an Hba1c blood test done which came back at 47. My doctor then sent me for a GTT and those results have confused me a tad and I wondered if anyone could help. The fasting blood test came back at 6.5 and the after glucose test came back at 6.4. I did not move around much other than to the toilet and walking to the seating area I was told to walk to as the blood clinic was busy.. but this was only around the corner. I have a telephone appointment with my doctor on Monday to discuss this but from what I have read and understand I am not diabetic yet but sailing close to the wind! I have had GTT tests in the past and previously they came back as glucose intolerant but not in the diabetic range except for during pregnancies.

Thanks

Forgetful55

 

[grovesy]

Welcome!

 

[Forgetful55]

My doctor is confused with the Glucose test results too? She is surprised that the test after taking the glucose was less than the fasting test. So she has said I am borderline type 2 at the moment and wants to retest my Hba1c in six months.

Has anyone else ever had a GTT result come back like that?

 

[bilbie]

You may be insulin resistant with the 6.5 and a bit over weight, as the two normally go together as part of metabolic syndrome. The good news is your pancreas is still able to handle it.

Reducing your sugars and starches, should bring your insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose levels down
an introduction to low carb, plenty of free stuff on the net.
http://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

what to expect the first week, besides being hungry for the first 2 days, then it stops
https://www.verywell.com/getting-through-the-first-week-2242037

 

[Northerner]

My doctor is confused with the Glucose test results too? She is surprised that the test after taking the glucose was less than the fasting test. So she has said I am borderline type 2 at the moment and wants to retest my Hba1c in six months.

Has anyone else ever had a GTT result come back like that?

I'm Type 1 so haven't personally needed a GTT. It does sound like a few small adaptations to your diet and activity levels should help keep you on the right side and hopefully you will get a more encouraging result next time with the HbA1c 🙂 If you can manage some regular exercise, such as a daily walk, then this will make you more sensitive to the insulin your body is producing and improve your blood sugar levels overall. Also, I would recommend looking into the GL (Glycaemic Load) diet - this is an approach to selecting and combining foods so that they have a slow, steady impact on blood glucose levels. The GL Diet for Dummies is a very good introduction 🙂 You probably don't want to go to the extent of regular home blood testing, although trying it for a few weeks would help you to establish some of the 'worst culprits' in your diet, helping you to tailor it to suit both your stastes and your blood sugar levels! To understand how to do this, have a read of Test,Review, Adjust by Alan S which explains how to do it methodically and efficiently. Carbohydrates are what you need to pay most attention to, but people do have different, individual tolerances to things so it can help to know where your own tolerances lie. For example, some people are fine with porridge, but others find it sends their blood sugar levels high.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will be more than happy to help! 🙂

 

[Forgetful55]

Hello and thanks for your replies.. although I am not overweight I do carry what fat I have on my tummy..I walk a lot and go to aqua classes twice a week and swim when I can.. my downfall is probably too many carbs and a sweet tooth.. I know I will have to cut back on my sugar and cake eating and am going to try cutting back on carbs and trying more GL friendly carbs to see if this helps. I know if I don't do something I will probably end up with diabetes as it is in the family although not through very close relations (Aunt rather than parent) especially as I had it in three out of my four pregnancies, I can remember being told then that I would get it when I was older! Heres hoping I can hold it off for longer.