pre diabetes glucose testing

[Janybaby]

So I went and bought a glucose meter thinking it would be a good idea to check levels now my Doctor has told me that I shouldn't do this as I would get inaccurate readings as they are for people with actual diabetes, got appointment with the nurse so that she can explain diets etc

 

[Robin]

So I went and bought a glucose meter thinking it would be a good idea to check levels now my Doctor has told me that I shouldn't do this as I would get inaccurate readings as they are for people with actual diabetes, got appointment with the nurse so that she can explain diets etc

So basically, your doctor is saying that those of us who rely absolutely on our meter readings for working out insulin doses (too much or too little of which are lethal) are using something that’s totally inaccurate! That’s a new one on me!
Yes, meters have a tolerance and are allowed to be 15% out, but they are totally reliable for spotting trends, provided you don’t get hung up on small differences. I think it’s entirely up to the individual whether they test or not, provided they learn how to interpret the results (and there is a mine of information about that on this forum)

 

[Janybaby]

No sorry, he said that as I am not type 1 or 2 and not using insulin ( I am Pre diabetic) the readings would not be accurate for me as I have been using an Accu-Chek meter, sorry if I was unclear

 

[Robin]

No sorry, he said that as I am not type 1 or 2 and not using insulin ( I am Pre diabetic) the readings would not be accurate for me as I have been using an Accu-Chek meter, sorry if I was unclear

No, you were perfectly clear. My point was, that a meter really isn’t gong to be any less accurate for someone with pre-diabetes, provided you don’t take each reading as gospel.
If you were to find that your levels stay fairly steady, then the meter readings would probably show minor fluctuations even if your blood glucose was broadly the same, so your doctor is right, that it wouldn’t give you pinpoint accuracy in this case.
But if your elevated HbA1c is caused by you having massive spikes in your blood glucose after eating sugar or refined carb, this is something your meter would show you, and it would be worthwhile to find this out, so you can make decisions as to whether you’re going to avoid any particular foods.

 

[Brando77]

Use the meter. It's the only tool in the box that can tell you how you're doing until your Hb test. My D Nurse said "carry on I would" 🙂

 

[trophywench]

If they aren't accurate for anyone without diabetes - why the HELL is it one of the first things an ambulance man uses and they do (fairly) immediately when anyone arrives at A&E, whatever they say is wrong with them?

I'd change my doctor ……..

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

So I went and bought a glucose meter thinking it would be a good idea to check levels now my Doctor has told me that I shouldn't do this as I would get inaccurate readings as they are for people with actual diabetes, got appointment with the nurse so that she can explain diets etc

Sorry you’ve had that experience. I really don’t think that was a helpful thing to be told @Janybaby

As others have said, the same technology, legally required to meet the same ISO standards are being used by hundreds of thousands of people with diabetes all over the UK, and millions worldwide.

Yes there are allowed levels of variance, and no one result can be relied upon to be 100% the same as a lab test... but if I were driving down a country lane at night I’d rather have dipped headlights switched on, than no headlights at all! 😱