pre-diabetes? Really scared going to be diabetic!

[dancer67]

Some may have read my post from last week that I had some fasting bloodwork drawn. My trigs were elevated to 197, and my fasting blood sugar was 107.
In the past 3 years my FBS has been 105,106,107.
My SIL, who is a diabetic told me to check my blood sugar in the morning and two hours after a meal. Well, I checked one day first thing in the morning and the meter said 98. Then I did a two hour one after I ate and it was 112.
Problem is, now I feel like I need to check ALL the time. My 8 hour fasts have been about 105. But after two hours, it is always below 120.
I have cut out sugar and have been exericising. I alo have cut down on my carb intake.
Before my bloodwork, I would have 3 tbs of sugar in my coffee, would drink sweet tea all day long and snack on reese's PB cups. I have no idea what my BS was when I was eating all that sugar.
I have read that if you have impaired glucose readings in the prediabetic range, you will most likely develop type 2 diabetes over the next decade.
And, if you have impaired glucose readings first thing in the morning. It is what it is. And that nothing you do, will change those readings. I guess when you are sleeping your body is not producing insulin properly.(ok, googling)
When I got the paper from my Dr about my blood tests, all she said was that my bloodwork looked good, and my trigs were slightly elevated, and the sugar, carbs and alcohol contribute to it. She never even wrote down my FBS lab, and didn't even mention it. She didn't tell me to follow up or even come in for a A1c test.
Nobody in my family has type 2 diabetes.
There is NO way I could handle having diabetes, and I don't know what else to to?????
Does pre-diabetes always go to type 2?
Now, besides being attached to BP cuff, I went through 50 test strips in about 5 days.
You have no idea how scared I am that I am going to develop diabetes. I am only 45. I already have enough health issues. High blood pressure, iron deficiency and IBS. (Plus anxiety).
My Uncle(not blood related) died at 59 from complications of type 2.
Can someone rationalize all this for me? Reassurance? Or just tell me straight up if I am going to end up  with diabetes?

[gcalex]

Didn't we go through all this before with you?  Did any of it make an impression?  It seems not.  What more can anyone say that wasn't said on your prior thread?  You are making yourself sick with the unnecessary monitoring.  You are not a diabetic, why are you going through test strips?  Stop it immediately.  Throw them out, you don't need them.  Follow the recommendations on your prior thread and you will be fine.  Repeat you are NOT a diabetic you are nowhere close and if you change your lifestyle you will be fine.  Why are you rejecting your doctor?  Why are you rejecting all the advice you got here a few days ago?  Don't let fear rule you, counter it with facts and rationality.

Please reread what was said before.
http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,64455.msg371482.html#msg371482

[dancer67]

Didn't we go through all this before with you?  What more can anyone say that wasn't said on your prior thread?  You are making yourself sick with the unnecessary monitoring.  You are not a diabetic, why are you going through test strips?  Stop it immediately.  Follow the recommendations on your prior thread and you will be fine.

Please reread what was said before.
http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,64455.msg371482.html#msg371482

Ok. I went back and re-read that thread. But, I cut down so much sugar, yet I am STILL in the prediabetic range. And I know, I shouldn't google. But besides doing that, and hearing my SIL who is only 32 and has type 1, I have been told thatimpaired glucose readings almost always turn into type 2. And, first morning glucose readings are the most important ones because if you have had anything to eat or drink, that reading should be below 100. Your body is not doing what it should when you sleep. So it scares me!!! I heard that even if you cut out sugar and exercise that it doesn't make a difference.

[gcalex]

Good Lord it's been a week, what do you expect?  These things take months.

[gcalex]

"I have been told thatimpaired glucose readings almost always turn into type 2."

By whom?  That is nonsense, they can if you continue the bad habits that got you to prediabetic stage, but there is nothing inevitable about it for most people.  You have two choices -- you can take sensible steps to lower your blood sugar over time and stop worrying about it (by the way look at Life Extension Foundation they have some good suggestions) or you can turn yourself into an emotional invalid going through 10 test strips a day for no reason other than to feed your fear.  I would say the first option is better.

[dancer67]

"I have been told thatimpaired glucose readings almost always turn into type 2."

By whom?  That is nonsense, they can if you continue the bad habits that got you to prediabetic stage, but there is nothing inevitable about it for most people.  You have two choices -- you can take sensible steps to lower your blood sugar over time and stop worrying about it (by the way look at Life Extension Foundation they have some good suggestions) or you can turn yourself into an emotional invalid going through 10 test strips a day for no reason other than to feed your fear.  I would say the first option is better.

The American Diabetes Association. They say that 4 out of 5 people with prediabetes it will turn to type 2 within the decade. My BS has been impaired for 3 years now.

Ok, I have cut out all that sugar. I am exercising when I can. I am eating better. But if your body is not functioning peoperly, there isn't anything I can do about that. ADA says that anyone can get type 2, even if you are skinny, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. Because your body is not producing insulin like it should. No, I am NOT a diabetic. I know I have to keep saying that. I feel like I need to test in the mornings to see if my BS has come down within normal limits. The nurse told me that my FBS was probably high due to what I had to eat the night before. (Which was full of sugar). But now that I don't have any, my readings have not changed. I guess I thought they would change as soon as I stopped putting all that sugar in my body. My post-prandial meal reading are fine. Always below 120, when guidelines say under 140.I have been wanting to run out to CVS and buy a home A1c test kit. But I have kept myself from doing that. I think that if I ever became a tpe 2 diabetic, I would just crawl under the covers and die. What is weird is that my Dr. said NOTHING about my blood sugar readings. Last year, I went in to see her and she shrugged and said cut down on your sugar. I didn't listen. Again, I thought by cutting out sugar my fasting levels would get below 100. I only had one reading of 98. This is self destructive behavior, I know. But when I get this scared, I need reassurance as to what my body is doing. So afraid that if I don't check, I will never know. And then it might get worse. Why do I do these things? If a "normal" person had reading like me, would they be doing this? gcalex, I like when you answer because you get right to the point. Are you free from HA? Just curious.

[gcalex]

I'd like to see their evidence but even if it's correct 4 out of 5 probably don't do anything about it or didn't even know they were prediabetic.  The problem with doctors is that unless there is an asterisk by the result they don't even mention it to people.  This is the land of junk food and no exercise.  Show me the study on people who made all the appropriate lifestyle adjustments, took the right supplements, and so forth.  That would be the relevant data.

Give it four months, then go for a retest.  It takes TIME to bring readings down.  Until then, throw away all the test junk, don't become a prisoner of it.  Read what Life Extension Foundation has to say.  They actually like the drug metformin which is also a possibility, but I would try the other things first. 

[kmwondering]

Gcalex is right. Throw the monitor away and continue eating healthy and exercising. Listen to your doctor. These things do take months to undo, not days. And frankly, if you did become diabetic in ten years you could an would handle it. My nephew has been handling type one since toddlerhood. It's hard and at times scary but that is life. You are ruining the healthy life you have now by worrying about a future possibility. Don't think I don't empathize. At this moment in time I am fighting with everything I have not to check my heart rate, but I'm not doing it because I KNOW constant self monitoring will only make my ha worse...even if I see the numbers I deem acceptable.

[dancer67]

I'd like to see their evidence but even if it's correct 4 out of 5 probably don't do anything about it or didn't even know they were prediabetic.  The problem with doctors is that unless there is an asterisk by the result they don't even mention it to people.  This is the land of junk food and no exercise.  Show me the study on people who made all the appropriate lifestyle adjustments, took the right supplements, and so forth.  That would be the relevant data.

Give it four months, then go for a retest.  It takes TIME to bring readings down.  Until then, throw away all the test junk, don't become a prisoner of it.  Read what Life Extension Foundation has to say.  They actually like the drug metformin which is also a possibility, but I would try the other things first.

Well, there was an asterick near that number. More like "H" for high and she never mentioned anything. I know about metformin. I just don't want ANY more drugs. Okay, I will give it some time. But for now, you really think I am ok? I am not diabetic? And I will look at that site you gave me.

[dancer67]

Gcalex is right. Throw the monitor away and continue eating healthy and exercising. Listen to your doctor. These things do take months to undo, not days. And frankly, if you did become diabetic in ten years you could an would handle it. My nephew has been handling type one since toddlerhood. It's hard and at times scary but that is life. You are ruining the healthy life you have now by worrying about a future possibility. Dot hunk I don't empathize. At this moment in time I am fighting with everything I have not to check my heart rate, but I'm not doing it because I KNOW constant elf monitoring will only make my ha worse...even if I see the numbers I deem acceptable.

I didn't realize it takes time. I thought by just cutting out the sugar would autoatically bring my prediabetic numbers down within normal range. Ok, I HAVE to stop picking my fingers. They hurt now to.

[gcalex]

You are NOT diabetic.  Diabetic is fasting 126 or higher on a regular basis.  Change your lifestyle and you will almost certainly be fine.  DO NOT treat yourself like someone with a condition, you are cheating yourself and those around you.

[dancer67]

You are NOT diabetic.  Diabetic is fasting 126 or higher on a regular basis.  Change your lifestyle and you will almost certainly be fine.  DO NOT treat yourself like someone with a condition, you are cheating yourself and those around you.

Thank you Gcalex.

[marc]

I would start taking a high quality Omega 3 supplement, which will lower your Triglycerides, which in  turn
should lower your glucose levels. There are many over the counter supplements which will help lower
blood sugar levels. I would discuss these options with a natural pharmacist or physician. Here in Baltimore,
there is a holistic health center where you can buy such supplements and get consultations on the phone.
There phone number is 1-888-794-4325 or 410-356-2169. I have used them myself and they have been
very helpful. The center has a registered pharmacist and physician on site.

[oregoncoastlady]

First of all, with a steady diet of sweet tea and peanut butter cups does it really surprise you that your readings were teetering around the hundred mark on a regular basis??? Actually, I think your body was handling your sugar intake pretty well, considering what it had to deal with. You talk about this like it is the end of the world. Your perspective is a bit off. You are fortunate that the health issues you have  can actually be helped  with diet and exercise. I'm not talking about a few days of cutting out sugar. A true  lifestyle change...healthy diet and exercise can bring down your blood pressure and help/get rid of your IBS. There have been times in my life when I made the decision to eat healthier and exercise. After a few months my blood pressure dropped from the 140/85 range back to normal and my IBS disappeared completely. When i would go back to my less than healthy ways...my IBS returned and my blood pressure increased. The body is a pretty amazing thing...but if you abuse it, it will do the best it can with what it as to work with. YOU actually have to something for yourself...not just prick your fingers and take your blood pressure.

[dancer67]

First of all, with a steady diet of sweet tea and peanut butter cups does it really surprise you that your readings were teetering around the hundred mark on a regular basis??? Actually, I think your body was handling your sugar intake pretty well, considering what it had to deal with. You talk about this like it is the end of the world. Your perspective is a bit off. You are fortunate that the health issues you have  can actually be helped  with diet and exercise. I'm not talking about a few days of cutting out sugar. A true  lifestyle change...healthy diet and exercise can bring down your blood pressure and help/get rid of your IBS. There have been times in my life when I made the decision to eat healthier and exercise. After a few months my blood pressure dropped from the 140/85 range back to normal and my IBS disappeared completely. When i would go back to my less than healthy ways...my IBS returned and my blood pressure increased. The body is a pretty amazing thing...but if you abuse it, it will do the best it can with what it as to work with. YOU actually have to something for yourself...not just prick your fingers and take your blood pressure.

I know I haven't had a good diet in a long time. I would just eat whatever I wanted. The PB cups just started this past year. But I have always had drinks with LOTS of sugar. Actually, anytime someonw would take a sip off my drink they would crinkle their nose and say"OMG, how much SUGAR do you have in this anyways???". It could be powered ice tea, or sweet tea in a juj, or even iced coffee and regular coffee. The last two I would ask for extra extra sugar. Yea, my readings have been slightly elevated for about 3 years now. My blood sugar two years ago, fasting was 106 but my A1c was 5.4. I was told then to cut out the sugar. I have not had an A1c test in two years. My Dr. didn't even mention on my letter what my FBS even WAS. I only knew what it was because the nurse who works for my heme Dr. gave my all my blood test results because I had an iron panel done the same day, and my primary care Dr. is associated with the same hospital. If she didn't tell me I would have never even known.
I know I have to make a lifestyle change which I have already done over the past week. I would like to exercise more. Right now I am getting in two days of Zumba, and one day of tap. Zumba is 30 min, and tap is 45 minutes. When it gets warmer and not so icy, I can start walking. Thank you to all for the reassurance, and telling me like it is.
Marc, thanks for giving me that info and that phone number. We do not have naturopaths or homeopathic Dr's around here. The only ones I know of are over an hour away. Thanks again.

[mollyfin]

Eat less garbage, exercise more, take good care of yourself, don't smoke and it shouldn't progress.  My girlfriend was a type II diabetic (medication caused) and she managed to reverse it and is now "pre-diabetic."