Diabetes prevention dominates this week’s Health & Fitness section.
One story highlights new research underway at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Samuel Dagogo-Jack’s directing that effort, which hopes to uncover links between someone’s race and their diabetes risk.
Another story spotlights a Baptist Rehabilition - Germantown program targeting African - American adults whose elevated blood sugar means they are pre-diabetic. The free program of exercise, nutritional advice and support is designed to help them make the lifestyle changes proven to reduce their odds of developing the disease.
This week Dr. Dagogo-Jack’s also agreed to answer diabetes-related questions posted on this site.
To post a question, click on “comment” at the bottom of this item. Dr. Dagogo-Jack will check the site periodically and post answers.
Here is a question to get started.
How often should a healthy adult get their blood sugar checked? Should it be checked more often if there is a family history of diabetes?
January 8th, 2007 at 8:49 am
A 55 year old man was recently hospitalized with
diabetic myonecrosis and s staph infection. He
has been a type 2 diet/exercise controlled diabetic. I realize this is a rare condition.
What does he now need to do and where can we get
more information on this. All of the information on the internet seems to deal with
people who have other more serious conditons as well. Thank you for your time and consideration.
January 8th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Question: How often should a healthy person be checked for diabetes?
In response: The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults be screened for diabetes at least every 3 years, from age 45 years.
Persons with known risk factors for type 2 diabetes (family history, overweight,etc.) should be tested regardless of age and the frequency of repeat testing also can be increased.
Children with the following features should be screened for diabetes every 2 years: overweight plus any 2 of the following: 1) family history of type 2 diabetes, 2)ethnic minority heritage, 3) presence of other conditions associated with diabetes (eg hypertension, high cholesterol).
Best age to start screening children is from age 10 years or at onset of puberty, whichever is earlier.
Question: Myonecrosis and diabetes
Response: Unfortunately, diabetic patients are at increased risk for infections of soft tissue and elsewhere. Staph aureau is a particularly notorious bacterial agent that can damage soft tissue, including muscle (myonecrosis).
The treatment approach always includes improvement in blood glucose control plus specific use of antibiotics and local surgeical measures.
The prognosis (outlook) is hopeful if appropriate treatment is started promptly.
sam Dagogo-Jack, MD
January 9th, 2007 at 10:07 am
This question is from a reader, Jamila, who called your office about the study a while ago and was told she qualified but hasn’t heard back from your staff. She would like to participate in the study and wonders if you have filled all the spots yet. If not how should she proceed to get into the study? She is very interested in it.
January 9th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Please inform Jamila that the study is still wide open, and recruiting actively. I’m surprised at the account that she was not called back. I’ll check with my research staff. Meanwhile, please encourage Jamila to call 901-448-5299 (the study number)again and if she doesn’t get a response in 24 hours, she can call the Endocrinology/Diabetes Division at 901-448-2610 and ask to speak with me directly.
Thanks.
Sam Dagogo-Jack, MD
January 10th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Doctor:
My wife was recently diagnosed as diabetic. On the day of fasting at the physical Examination she had a reading of 135. She has since lost about 15 lbs and has eaten a better diet with very little salt. This has also greatly reduced some ankle swelling she was having.
My question is basically this: What is the main difference in pre-diabetic and diabetic? Is it only a matter of what sometimes appears to us as an arbitrary set of high and low numbers which vary according to the literature one is reading or is there any other difference? We thought it was all a matter of simply having an elevated blood sugar reading.
Right now with a blood check each morning, my wifes level is between 115 and 126. It has been at times as low as 110.
So I guess we want to know where you feel she stands Pre-diabetic or diabetic? And is there any other difference other than obviously one is more damaging than the other?
I guess what we are looking for here is something like one is curable and the other is not, but somehow that doesn’t fit either. There just seems too much of a distinction made between the two. Are they not really just higher and lower readings of the same condition? Thank you so much
January 10th, 2007 at 7:53 am
I had blood work done last week and my A1C is 5.3 which is good.
My question is, my Tryglycerides are at 14.0 which is low. Is this in any way connected to type 2 diabetes?
January 10th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Doctor, here’s a question from a reader named Kay.
Her husband who is 82 has been pre diabetic for a while and was recently diagnosed as diabetic. He was just put on medicine to control his diabetes, a “tablet” she says. He has MS so his mobility is limited.
But she wants to know if exercise would really help him. Is walking around the house enough, should they get a treadmill or join a gym so he could walk more? His numbers never go above 180 and fluctuate down to 126.
She’s keeping him on a diet and they have seen a GP but not a specialist or a dietitian.
She wants to know what simple things she can do to help him. Thanks
January 10th, 2007 at 10:51 am
My 47 year daughter was diagnosed in Aug. 06 as being diabetic. The test was not anticipated and was done on a full stomach and after drinking 3 Cokes. Her weight at that time was over 150 lbs. but has dropped to 125.
Her medical case is very complicated.
She has been in the hospital since June 2006, ten times with pancreatitis. A scope revealed the pancreas normal but she continues with the attacks.
The meds she is now taking include Reglan, Urso Forte, Pancrease, Nexium, TriCor, & Actos.
Her glucose reading is 100 or below and without sugar it drops considerably. The readings are the same with or without the medicine, but while taking the medicine, she has no strength.
She is under the care of: an internist, gastroenterologist, and endocrinologist who have all denied the need for a fasting glucose test.
Our question is: Should we insist on this testing or continue on with the medicine which saps all her strength.
Any help would be appreciated.
January 10th, 2007 at 10:53 am
My husband was recently diagnosed as a “borderline” diabetic. He is taking glucaphage and we are watching his diet.
I am wondering about the term..borderline…I guess I thought you were either a diabetic or you weren’t. What is the range his glucose level should be to posssibly avoid further medication in the future? We are hoping to be able to control his condition with diet and are wondering if this is possible.
His levels have been 119-109-104-90-88, etc. Thank you sir.
January 10th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Here is another question from a patient with the following health history: 5′4″, 43 year old female who went from 240 pounds to 170 pounds in about 3 years. She exercises 5 to 6 days a week, a minimum of 30 min aerobic activity but usually 1 - 1 1/2 hours each day plus 3 days of weight training. Waist circumference went from 44 inches to 34 inches. She has never been tested for diabetes.
Here is her question: many sources report that losing as little as 10% of your body weight will significantly reduce your risk of diabetes. I lost much more than 10% but want to know if the fact that now my body has settled at 170 pounds for so long am I still at greater risk?
I cannot seem to get my body to stay below 169 pounds for any length of time even though I work out and eat very well. Is the fact that I am eating very healthy and regularly working out enough even though according to BMI tables I am still overweight?
January 10th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Here’s a question about diabetes treatment side effects.
How common is it for a diabetic to have problems using the pills? I get hypoglycemic from them everytime. At what point do you look at insulin instead?
I average over 175 on sugar and avoid taking the pills because of the effects.
January 10th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
This reader asks about possible links between hypoglycemia and diabetes.
My husband is 43 and recently told that he had hypoglycemia. Aside from giving us a brochure on the food pyramid, the doctor gave us no direction as far as diet is concerned.
My first question: Is hypoglycemia the same thing as pre-diabetes?
My second question: Is someone with hypoglycemia more prone to developing diabetes?
Is the possibility of developing diabetes lessened if the hypoglycemic person follows a strict diet and exercises?
Thank you for your time.
January 10th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Is there any research on insulin dependent diabetics and the Atkins diet?
Thanks.
January 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Anita, a reader, called to ask a question. She is a diabetic and lately has been troubled by constipation. She is on medication and has been type 2 diabetic about three years. She can’t afford to go to a doctor often and tries to control her diet, but doesn’t really know what to do. Is the constipation related to the diabetes, she asks.
January 11th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Here’s a question that asks: Once a diabetic, always a diabetic?
If a recently diagnosed Type II diabetic loses weight and brings their blood sugar down to normal so that metformin can be discontinued, is that person still a diabetic?
January 11th, 2007 at 11:50 am
A reader asks what blood sugar level qualifies as control. The question involves a 65-year-old who has lost 47 pounds during the year after being
diagnosed with diabetes II. The person is on glucovanc bid. The person has a blood sugar reading of 75-80 in the morning. Two hours after breakfast it rises to 170-190. Is this considered
controlled? thank you for your consideration.
January 11th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Another reader asks if it is possible to remain pre-diabetic indefinitely. The reader writes:
I am pre-diabetic and am under a doctor’s care. I take metformin with any meal I consider to be high in starch and fat. I have just started an exercise routine three days a week.
My question is whether one can remain pre-diabetic indefinitely with attention to weight, diet, and exercise or is progression to diabetes inevitable?
January 11th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Dr. Dagogo-Jack provides some anwers.
Question 1:
What is the main difference in pre-diabetic and diabetic?
Answer: Diabetes is diagnosed when the fasting blood sugar is 126 or higher. Prediabetes is diagnosed when the fasting blood sugar is between 100 and 125. It is possible to prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes, using diet, exercise and certain medications.
Once the sugars rise into the diabetic range (126 or higher), the condition becomes established. Many patients are able to reduce their fasting blood sugar with diet, exercise and medication shortly after they are diagnosed with diabetes. Thus, the sugar may decrease from 135 to 115, but that does not indicate that the diabetes has been “cured”.
Question 2:Is low blood triglycerides any way connected to type 2 diabetes?
Answer: No. Low blood triglycerides (a type of blood fat, related to cholesterol)actually is generally considered healthy. Poorly controlled diabetes often is associated with high triglycerides.
Question 3:
Husband who is 82 has been pre diabetic for a while and was recently diagnosed as diabetic. He was just put on medicine to control his diabetes, a “tablet” she says. He has MS so his mobility is limited. But she wants to know if exercise would really help him. Is walking around the house enough, should they get a treadmill or join a gym so he could walk more? His numbers never go above 180 and fluctuate down to 126.
She’s keeping him on a diet and they have seen a GP but not a specialist or a dietitian.
She wants to know what simple things she can do to help him. Thanks
Answer: Diet and increased physical exercise are always helpful in people with diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, even though they may have already started taking medications. Staying active and following an exercise plan of walking 20-30 minutes 3 or more times per week will make the medications work better to achieve superior diabetic control.
Question 4:
My 47 year daughter was diagnosed in Aug. 06 as being diabetic. The test was not anticipated and was done on a full stomach and after drinking 3 Cokes. Her weight at that time was over 150 lbs. but has dropped to 125.
Her medical case is very complicated.
She has been in the hospital since June 2006, ten times with pancreatitis. A scope revealed the pancreas normal but she continues with the attacks.
The meds she is now taking include Reglan, Urso Forte, Pancrease, Nexium, TriCor, & Actos.
Her glucose reading is 100 or below and without sugar it drops considerably. The readings are the same with or without the medicine, but while taking the medicine, she has no strength.
She is under the care of: an internist, gastroenterologist, and endocrinologist who have all denied the need for a fasting glucose test.
Our question is: Should we insist on this testing or continue on with the medicine which saps all her strength.
Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by: Mary Johnson at January 10, 2007 10:51 AM
Answer: A fasting blood glucose test is not at all complicated. If you have a meter at home (as you should), test before breakfast several days of the week and take the readings to your daughter’s endocrinologist for interpretation and necessary adjustments to current treatments.
Question 5:
My husband was recently diagnosed as a “borderline” diabetic. He is taking glucaphage and we are watching his diet.
I am wondering about the term..borderline…I guess I thought you were either a diabetic or you weren’t. What is the range his glucose level should be to posssibly avoid further medication in the future? We are hoping to be able to control his condition with diet and are wondering if this is possible.
His levels have been 119-109-104-90-88, etc. Thank you sir.
Posted by: Janna at January 10, 2007 10:53 AM
Answer: We discourage the use of the term “borderline” diabetes. Ask your husband’s doctor to explain what he/she means. I suspect they’re probably talking about prediabetes.
Question 6:
Here is another question from a patient with the following health history: 5′4″, 43 year old female who went from 240 pounds to 170 pounds in about 3 years. She exercises 5 to 6 days a week, a minimum of 30 min aerobic activity but usually 1 - 1 1/2 hours each day plus 3 days of weight training. Waist circumference went from 44 inches to 34 inches. She has never been tested for diabetes.
Here is her question: many sources report that losing as little as 10% of your body weight will significantly reduce your risk of diabetes. I lost much more than 10% but want to know if the fact that now my body has settled at 170 pounds for so long am I still at greater risk?
I cannot seem to get my body to stay below 169 pounds for any length of time even though I work out and eat very well. Is the fact that I am eating very healthy and regularly working out enough even though according to BMI tables I am still overweight?
Posted by: Claudia at January 10, 2007 12:00 PM
Answer: You’re correct a 10% weight loss can lead to more that 60% reduction in the risk of diabetes. Since you were not tested before and after you lost the weight, it is feasible to determine exactly by how much you lowered your blood sugar, but I have no doubt that the 70lbs and 10 inches you shaved off from your weight and waistline will benefit your health tremendously.
Question 7: How common is it for a diabetic to have problems using the pills? I get hypoglycemic from them everytime. At what point do you look at insulin instead?
I average over 175 on sugar and avoid taking the pills because of the effects.
Posted by: Gloria at January 10, 2007 01:27 PM
Answer: Every medication in current use for any condition will have side effects. We keep using meds because their desired effects outweigh the side effects. If any diabetes medicine you’re taking seems to be bothering you, bring this to the attention of your doctor immediately. It is inappropriate (and frankly dangerous)to alter the schedule or totally skip any prescribed medication on account of side effect symptoms that have not been discussed with the prescribing physician.
Question 8: My first question: Is hypoglycemia the same thing as pre-diabetes?
My second question: Is someone with hypoglycemia more prone to developing diabetes?
Is the possibility of developing diabetes lessened if the hypoglycemic person follows a strict diet and exercises?
Thank you for your time.
Posted by: Suzette at January 10, 2007 02:31 PM
Answer: There are many potential causes and different degrees of severity of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The extent of lab work and action on the part of a physician often depends on how impressed they are with the symptoms and severity of the hypoglycemia. If the symptoms persist, it would be wise to seek a second opinion, for thorough exam and lab work. Sometimes, hypoglycemia occurring several hours after a meal may precede the development of type 2 diabetes.
Question 9:Is there any research on insulin dependent diabetics and the Atkins diet?
Thanks.
Posted by: gary myers at January 10, 2007 04:07 PM
Answer: The Atkins diet is based on extremely low carbohydrate intake, with rather liberal intake of fats and protein. I’m not aware of a specific research study focusing on that diet in type 1 diabetic patients (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes). In general restricting the amount of calories consumed from carbs and fats will always help improve diabetic control. However, persons with type 1 diabetes must not discontinue their insulin shots, otherwise they’ll be in serious trouble.
Question 10:
She is a diabetic and lately has been troubled by constipation. She is on medication and has been type 2 diabetic about three years. She can’t afford to go to a doctor often and tries to control her diet, but doesn’t really know what to do. Is the constipation related to the diabetes, she asks.
Answer: Slow or sluggish bowel movements can sometimes be a sign of diabetes involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. However, constipation is a rather common problem. even among the general population without diabetes. Chronic (longstanding) constipation also may indicate underlying bowel problems, for which a thorough evaluation will be necessary. I srongly recommend that this person seek medical evaluation within the community. If lack of insurance is the problem, there may be some faith-based or public safety-net clinic where hel can be given.
Question 11: Once a diabetic, always a diabetic?
Such a person must still need to watch his/her diet and follow a regular exercise plan, in order to maintain the good blood sugar levels.
Question 12:
A reader asks what blood sugar level qualifies as control. The question involves a 65-year-old who has lost 47 pounds during the year after being diagnosed with diabetes II. The person is on glucovanc bid. The person has a blood sugar reading of 75-80 in the morning. Two hours after breakfast it rises to 170-190. Is this considered
controlled? thank you for your consideration.
Posted by: charbert at January 11, 2007 11:50 AM
Answer: The morning suagrs are within the 80-120 range for good control. The sugar levels measured 2 hours after meals are a bit on the high side. The American College of Endocrinology recommends a 2-hour value of 140 and the American Diabetes Association recommends a maximum 2 hour value of no higher than 180.
January 11th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Another reader asks if it is possible to remain pre-diabetic indefinitely. The reader writes:
I am pre-diabetic and am under a doctor’s care. I take metformin with any meal I consider to be high in starch and fat. I have just started an exercise routine three days a week.
My question is whether one can remain pre-diabetic indefinitely with attention to weight, diet, and exercise or is progression to diabetes inevitable?
Posted by: Marc Wheetley at January 11, 2007 03:38 PM
Answer: Without diet, exercise or medication, persons with prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes at a rate of about 10-12% per year. With diet and exercise and certain medications that rate can be cut by more than 50%. With the appropriate measures, many prediabetic patients not only can be protected from developing diabetes, but can actually “recover” from prediabetes and have a perfectly normal blood sugar. We found this to be the case in about 40% of the participants enrolled in the diet and exercise arm of the Diabetes Prevention Program, the federally-funded study that we conducted between 1996 and 2001.
January 12th, 2007 at 6:16 am
Here is a question from a reader who wonders about a possible source for her fatigue. She writes:
After having symptoms of frequent urination and thirst this past summer, I saw my doctor and had a fasting blood test (finger-prick) and an Alc test. I am a 57 year old female, 115 lbs, 5′ 4″. My father had Type 2 diabetes late in life (over age 65). The blood test was 113, the Alc was 5.3.
The doctor said I did “not fit the profile” and
that I did not have anything to worry about. I eliminated table sugar from my diet immediately anyway, which has helped. In September I had another fasting blood test at Muscular Dystrophy Assn. where I am being seen for an undiagnosed muscle weakness problem. That test was 99. I feel better than I did during the summer, but still am not able to get past 3PM or so before the fatigue ensues. I still avoid sugar, but do consume bread and fruit in my diet. Can you shed any light on what might be my focus for the near future? Should I go back to my PCP and press for more tests? Thank you for your time and help.
January 13th, 2007 at 9:54 am
A reader asks if an evening insulin dose is always needed. Here is the question:
I would like to know if after a Endo physician puts me on Insulin 70/30 twice daily If I can judge myself whether or not I need the evening dose. I gauge this by my feelings at the end of each day as to what foods I have had that day. When I feel my sugar level has dropped I either take two glucose Tabs. or drink a part of a Coke.
Do you think this is any way to handle my Diabetes 2 condition. Thank You
January 13th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Another reader asks if diabetes is inevitable. Here is the question:
A little over 3 years ago after a GTT, I was diagnosed with IGT or Borderline, whichever is correct today.
I have lost about 15 pounds but do not follow a diet.
Over this period my morning glucose reading runs from 89 to 99 & very rarely over 100. My last few a1c test was from 4.8 to 5.2
Is it almost certain I will eventually cross the line & become a diabetic ?
January 13th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
A reader wonders if her grandson really has type 2 diabetes. Here is her question:
My grandson, age 11 was diagnosed with Type1 two years ago and has been on insulin ever since. My question is,Could he have been misdiagnosed as he was overweight and his eating habits were atrocious? Or is there a possibility that he might be Type2 or become type2? Also, do you think there will be a breakthrough in a cure anytime soon?
January 13th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
A reader asks how her bout of gestational diabetes influences her risk of someday developing type 2 diabetes. Here is her question.
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes after the birth of my daughter 35 years ago. I am now 60, weight 135 and am very physically active. I also take l tsp of cinnamon daily. Will I be able to stave off diabetes the rest of my life? I eat sugar sparingly but do drink 2 glasses of wine each night, never snack and eat 3 meals a day. Is there anything else I should be doing?
January 13th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Sandie writes asking if there are other steps she can take to protect herself from diabetes. Here is her question:
My 86 year old mother has been insulin dependent for the past 4 years. Her late sister was diabetic as well.
Years ago I told my internist I was having quite a bit of tingling and numbness in my fingertips and toes. He said based on family health history this was probablly a pre diabetes symptom. He said for me to keep up my ex. program and continue to keep my weight down & it’d be years before I ever developed diabetes.
That leads me to today. I am 5ft. tall & weigh 95 pounds, and I do still exercise 3-4 times a week, however, for the past 2-3 years I experience what my doctor thinks is low blood sugar. He said this is also a pre-diabetes sympton. Every 3-4 hours, I get jittery and sometimes feel faint. I do stop to have a snack. I am a working mom w/ 3 teenagers, and I’d like to believe I’m doing everything I possibly can to prevent diabetes. Do you have any advice.
My cholesterol was high a few years back, but with niacin and a healthier diet, I’ve controlled this fairly well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I’m thinking of signing up for the research project. Thanks for your time. Sandie
January 13th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
This reader asks if there is a connection between low blood sugar and dry, itchy skin. Here is the question:
I suffer from low blood sugar. I currently have a patch of dry, itchy skin near my left ankle and I’m not sure what caused it. Is there any connection ?
Thank you!
January 13th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Another reader asks for ideas about getting better blood sugard control. Here is the question.
If your diabetes is controlled by pills and a fasting blood sugar in the morning exceeds 150 how does one lower the blood sugar?
January 14th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
This reader is struggling with her diabetes. She writes looking for advice and encouragement. Here are her questions.
I have been diabetic for more than 15 years, I am female, black and in my early 40’s. I have been on pill, then pills and insulin for the last 8 years. I only weigh 150 lbs and am 5″6. I am depressed alot because my diabetics is still running 245 each morning when I wake up.
It is hard to stick to a diabetic diet because the food I’m suppose to eat is expensive.
I am constantly tired so I don’t exercise alot.
I don’t work due to other illiness.
I was wondering do you think that I would be a good candidate for the inhaled insulin? I don’t want to die from diabeties like other close family members.
I think I need a new diabetic doctor also.
Please email me back soon.
East Memphis
January 15th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Here’s a question from one of our readers:
I am pre-diabetic, what is a safe sugar count for in the morning and in the evening? I test my sugar twice a day, morning and evening. Usually it is higher in the morning, around l05-ll5 and in the evening it is 88-l00. If this a safe count? Thanks, Louise
January 16th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Here are Dr. Dagogo-Jack’s answers to a final set of reader questions.
Thanks to everyone who participated. We hope to hear from you again.
Here is a question from a reader who wonders about a possible source for her fatigue. She writes:
After having symptoms of frequent urination and thirst this past summer, I saw my doctor and had a fasting blood test (finger-prick) and an Alc test. I am a 57 year old female, 115 lbs, 5′ 4″. My father had Type 2 diabetes late in life (over age 65). The blood test was 113, the Alc was 5.3.
The doctor said I did “not fit the profile” and
that I did not have anything to worry about. I eliminated table sugar from my diet immediately anyway, which has helped. In September I had another fasting blood test at Muscular Dystrophy Assn. where I am being seen for an undiagnosed muscle weakness problem. That test was 99. I feel better than I did during the summer, but still am not able to get past 3PM or so before the fatigue ensues. I still avoid sugar, but do consume bread and fruit in my diet. Can you shed any light on what might be my focus for the near future? Should I go back to my PCP and press for more tests? Thank you for your time and help.
Posted by: M.L. at January 12, 2007 06:16 AM
Response: There are numerous conditions and factors beside blood sugar that could lead to tiredness and fatigue. Yes, I would agree that you need to go back to your PCP for further evaluation or referral.
A reader asks if an evening insulin dose is always needed. Here is the question:
I would like to know if after a Endo physician puts me on Insulin 70/30 twice daily If I can judge myself whether or not I need the evening dose. I gauge this by my feelings at the end of each day as to what foods I have had that day. When I feel my sugar level has dropped I either take two glucose Tabs. or drink a part of a Coke.
Do you think this is any way to handle my Diabetes 2 condition. Thank You
Posted by: Eroman at January 13, 2007 09:54 AM
Response: There are more than 10 different preparations of insulin, each with its own profile and duration of action. Therefore, you must stick with the injection times prescribed by your doctor, and not vary your shots based on how well you feel.
Another reader asks if diabetes is inevitable. Here is the question:
A little over 3 years ago after a GTT, I was diagnosed with IGT or Borderline, whichever is correct today.
I have lost about 15 pounds but do not follow a diet.
Over this period my morning glucose reading runs from 89 to 99 & very rarely over 100. My last few a1c test was from 4.8 to 5.2
Is it almost certain I will eventually cross the line & become a diabetic ?
Posted by: Frank at January 13, 2007 01:22 PM
Response: Please see previous response to a related question last week.
A reader wonders if her grandson really has type 2 diabetes. Here is her question:
My grandson, age 11 was diagnosed with Type1 two years ago and has been on insulin ever since. My question is,Could he have been misdiagnosed as he was overweight and his eating habits were atrocious? Or is there a possibility that he might be Type2 or become type2? Also, do you think there will be a breakthrough in a cure anytime soon?
Posted by: Faye at January 13, 2007 02:42 PM
Response: We’re all hoping and working for a cure in the future. The clinical diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes is quite straightforward, so I do not believe your grandson has been misdiagnosed. If in doubt, consider requesting referral to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.
A reader asks how her bout of gestational diabetes influences her risk of someday developing type 2 diabetes. Here is her question.
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes after the birth of my daughter 35 years ago. I am now 60, weight 135 and am very physically active. I also take l tsp of cinnamon daily. Will I be able to stave off diabetes the rest of my life? I eat sugar sparingly but do drink 2 glasses of wine each night, never snack and eat 3 meals a day. Is there anything else I should be doing?
Posted by: Lyn Carlson at January 13, 2007 03:44 PM
Response: Women with a history of gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in future, regardless of whether they become pregnant again. Walking 30 minutes on al teast five days of the week, and modifying the diet toward a more healthy patter, can reduce the risk of future diabetes considerably.
Sandie writes asking if there are other steps she can take to protect herself from diabetes. Here is her question:
My 86 year old mother has been insulin dependent for the past 4 years. Her late sister was diabetic as well.
Years ago I told my internist I was having quite a bit of tingling and numbness in my fingertips and toes. He said based on family health history this was probablly a pre diabetes symptom. He said for me to keep up my ex. program and continue to keep my weight down & it’d be years before I ever developed diabetes.
That leads me to today. I am 5ft. tall & weigh 95 pounds, and I do still exercise 3-4 times a week, however, for the past 2-3 years I experience what my doctor thinks is low blood sugar. He said this is also a pre-diabetes sympton. Every 3-4 hours, I get jittery and sometimes feel faint. I do stop to have a snack. I am a working mom w/ 3 teenagers, and I’d like to believe I’m doing everything I possibly can to prevent diabetes. Do you have any advice.
My cholesterol was high a few years back, but with niacin and a healthier diet, I’ve controlled this fairly well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I’m thinking of signing up for the research project. Thanks for your time. Sandie
Posted by: sandie whittington at January 13, 2007 04:39 PM
Response: As a person with a diabetic parent, you may qualify for the research study. You can call 901-448-5299, to answer a few questions by phone. Joining the study would allow you to have close monitoring of your metabolism. For now, your lifestyle habits seem wholesome. If confirmed low blood sugar episodes occur, you will need to bring this to the attention of your doctor, for possible evaluation or referral.
This reader asks if there is a connection between low blood sugar and dry, itchy skin. Here is the question:
I suffer from low blood sugar. I currently have a patch of dry, itchy skin near my left ankle and I’m not sure what caused it. Is there any connection ?
Thank you!
Posted by: Mark at January 13, 2007 07:14 PM
Response: I’m not aware of such a connection.
Another reader asks for ideas about getting better blood sugard control. Here is the question.
If your diabetes is controlled by pills and a fasting blood sugar in the morning exceeds 150 how does one lower the blood sugar?
Posted by: peggy at January 13, 2007 09:01 PM
Response: Inform your doctor that you would like your blood sugar controlled better, so as to avoid diabetic complications. He or she should know what to do.
This reader is struggling with her diabetes. She writes looking for advice and encouragement. Here are her questions.
I have been diabetic for more than 15 years, I am female, black and in my early 40’s. I have been on pill, then pills and insulin for the last 8 years. I only weigh 150 lbs and am 5″6. I am depressed alot because my diabetics is still running 245 each morning when I wake up.
It is hard to stick to a diabetic diet because the food I’m suppose to eat is expensive.
I am constantly tired so I don’t exercise alot.
I don’t work due to other illiness.
I was wondering do you think that I would be a good candidate for the inhaled insulin? I don’t want to die from diabeties like other close family members.
I think I need a new diabetic doctor also.
Please email me back soon.
East Memphis
Posted by: east memphis at January 14, 2007 01:56 PM
Response: Your motivation for better control of your diabetes is a big advantage. I suggest you request your doctor to refer you to a diabetes specialist for joint management of your diabetes. There is always something that can be done to improve the state of diabetes control. Do not give up hope.
Here’s a question from one of our readers:
I am pre-diabetic, what is a safe sugar count for in the morning and in the evening? I test my sugar twice a day, morning and evening. Usually it is higher in the morning, around l05-ll5 and in the evening it is 88-l00. If this a safe count? Thanks, Louise
Posted by: margaret at January 15, 2007 02:32 PM
Response: Currently, we’re focusing on the morning (fasting) blood sugars to determine prediabetees. The normal is less than 100. Sugars of 100-125 indicate prediabetes. It is unnecessary for you to test so many times during the day, unless you are taking medication that alters blood sugar.