Could I NOT be a diabetic?

Question

I was diagnosed as a diabetic last week, I was prescribed a pill called Avandia, it's supposed to lower my blood sugar. I haven't got it filled yet, anyway, I have been taking my sugar for 1 week and its only been high twice, once 122, and 145 another, but it normally runs about 70-80 at night and 100-110 in the morning. My Dr. determined I was a diabetic by a A1C that I took an hour and a half after eating, and no other tests, it was 4.5, and my average, i guess that's what she said it was for the last three month was 143. From what I have been told you are supposed to fast before taking a A1C, is that true? I didn't know I was taking it that day either. Should I get another opinion? I don't want to take the medication if it is going to make my sugar too low.

I haven't changed my eating habits, well, I have quit drinking soda, and if I do it'd diet. So I guess that's a big cut down on sugar! Thank you all for your answers!!!!

Answer 1

The A1c test does not require fasting. The test detects markers that show general levels of blood glucose in the previous few months. The test is not affected by your glucose level at the time of the test.

It seems a little odd that you would be diagnosed only by the A1c test that was not in conjunction with a glucose tolerance test, but the A1c test is the gold standard. A 143 is pretty much borderline diabetes, but still elevated enough to cause damage if uncontrolled. I don't know about getting another opinion, but it sure would make sense to get a glucose tolerance test.

If you are not taking the meds at this point, then you should be extremely careful about your eating habits and avoid any spikes in blood sugars. More info in the A1c at this link:

Answer 2

an a1c is NOT a fasting test. I would see another doctor, before I'd take any medication your current dr. prescribed. Your liver enzymes should of been tested before you began Avandia, i assume it was not. Also an a1c of 4.5 does not translate into a 143 average. To average in the 140's the a1c would of been in the high 6 's.
Bottom line something doesn't sound right here. I am a type 1 and I follow stuff like this and in my opinion you need a new dr.

Answer 3

If I was you I would either get a second opinion or tell your doctor about your concern. It does seem that your blood sugars have been running great, but as another said you may be watching your diet better. I am sure you would be concidered a type 2 diabetic if diagnosed and the type 2 diabetic can maintain a good blood sugar without meds IF they monitor what they eat and daily activity. I would also recommend taking the glucose tolerance test. You should be giving a liquid to drink by your doctor and then have your sugar checked by them to see how well your by tolerates the glucose. Also, the a1c is not a fasting test. If they want to check a fasting blood sugar they should tell you. Ask more questions and try to get on top of things! Good luck to you and the future.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

That does not sound right. I clicked formerly_bob's link and it said that an A1C of 6 has an average bg of 135. How could you have a lower A1C (4.5) yet have an higher average of 143? I think an A1C of 4.5 would be within normal range. I wouldn't take the medication. Your doctor is probably getting some sort of kickback from the Avandia drug company. Get another opinion or just watch what you eat and keep monitoring you bg.

Answer 6

You're right to be concerned and it's always better to get a second opinion when in doubt. However I bet this past week you have been watching your diet better and that very well may account for your "normal" readings. If you can keep your blood sugar under control with diet and exercise that is always the best way to go, but do check with the Dr.'s. Take care.

Answer 7

Yes, get another opinion before you take any medication!! Tell the new doctor exactly what happened. A similar incident occurred with a friend of mine who took a test he wasn't supposed to take unless he had fasted, but no one told him, and the doctor told him he had a sexually transmitted disease based on the results, but it wasn't possible that he did because he always used a condom. If he had taken any treatment, it could have seriously hurt him and it could seriously hurt you too. SEE ANOTHER DOCTOR!

Answer 8

ABCs for good Diabetes Care.
(1) Get your Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test done at least twice a year. (Target: Below 7).
(2) Albuminuria. Get your urine micro-albumin test done atleast twice a year. (Target: Below 30).
(3) Aspirin Check with your doctor if you need to take aspirin daily.
(4) Blood pressure. Get your blood pressure checked every visit. (Target: Below 130/80 mm Hg)
(5) Cholesterol Get your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels checked at least once a year. (Target: Below 100 mg/dL). Triglycerides. (Target: Less than 150 mg/dL) Serum Cholesterol (Target: Less than 200 mg/dL) HDL (good cholesterol) (Target: More than 50 mg/dL)
(6) Diabetes Education. Know about diabetes & get updated regularly.
(7) Eye exam. Get your eyes examined regularly, get checked at least once a year.
(8) Teeth. Get your teeth examined by a Dentist and get tartar (plaque) removed once in a year.
(9) Foot care. Check your feet daily . Request your doctor to check them every visit. Get an extensive foot examination done once in a year.
(10)Glucose (Sugar) test. Control your blood glucose & do self-monitoring as & when required. (Target: Fasting blood sugar 60-100 mg/dL; Postprandial blood sugar 2 hours after food-Less than 140 mg/dL)
(11)Health life style. Exercise regularly & stay healthy.
(12)Identify special medical needs. Voice your health concerns to your doctor . Follow your doctor’s advice
The normal range (that found in healthy persons)of HbA1c is 4% to 5.9%. Your HbA1c result 4.5 is normal. That comes to 81 mg/dL.(You can get the result 4.5 x 18). It can go upto 7.
Normal Values:-
Fasting blood sugar Levels up to 100 mg/dL are considered normal.
Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dl are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Post-prandial blood sugar level (2 hours after taking food) - less than 140 mg/dL
Pre-diabetes- 140 to 200 mg/dL
Diabetes is typically diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dl or higher.
Note: mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter.
You have got pre-diabetes. The same can be controlled by diet and exercise. Reduce carbohydrates in the diet. Avoid sugar and sweet items. Eat as much as fruits & vegetables.
Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet (long term basis to reduce choleasterol). This kind of diet includes cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish (not canned in oil), vegetables, poultry, egg whites, and polyunsaturated oils and margarines (corn, safflower, canola, and soybean oils). Avoid foods with excess fat in them such as meat (especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut oil, palm oil, and fried foods.
I have got Diabetes Type 2 for the last 16 years and I am controlling the same with diet and exercise.
Please see the web pages for more details on Rosiglitazone (generic name) Avandia (brand name), HbA1c, Glucose test and Diabetes mellitus.