[chhf]

Hi,

I am Male 44, 6'3" and weigh 250. Over the past year I have gained about 20 pounds from being sedentary and over-eating. I recently began testing my fasting BS and here the results; 114, 143, 135, 128. The first one (114) maybe incorrect as it was the first time I used the meter and my next three attempts that day (for my wife) had errors. The next morning I had the 143, and then I had, 135 and 128 the next two mornings. Also, over the past month I have had symptoms; fatigue, hunger, headaches, maybe extra thirsty, and maybe urinating more. BUT, during the past month I have also been weaning myself off of methadone so I was attributing all of this to that until I googled "lack of libido, ED, etc..." and saw Diabetes maybe the reason.

OK, on the day I got a 143 I began limiting my carbs and sweets and you can see my results are decreasing. Also, I have been feeling better the past two days also.

My question is; because I have been over 126 three times do I have diabetes? Or could this still be "pre-diabetes", and if start exercising, lose weight, and managing my diet and get (and keep) my scores hopefully below 100 I will essentially be eliminating the complications that diabetes poses? I guess I am asking, am I still "borderline"?

Well, tomorrow I am seeing a doctor but any thoughts are welcomed.

THX, CHHF

 

[Shanny]

Hello and welcome, chhf. Good for you beginning to defense what you already suspect is coming. I would expect the doctor to have a better idea what effects the weaning process might have on your blood sugars. I don't have the remotest idea.

Even if we accept the terms "pre-diabetic" or "borderline", the response should be the same - start limiting your carb intake (starches as well as sweets) and getting more exercise. The weight loss will come with the package. It's a good way of eating, whether you're diabetic or not.

There are other tests the doctor may order to make a more definitive diagnosis - one called an A1c which can tell you your average blood sugar over roughly the past 90 days. He may want a lipids panel too, since our cholesterol levels figure into this too.

The fasting reading is often the last to become elevated, and if you want to know more closely what your blood sugars are doing, start testing at 1 and 2 hour intervals after meals. Keep a journal of what you eat, when you ate it, and what the 1 and 2-hour readings were. A good safe method is to keep it under 140 at all times; if it appears that certain foods bump you up over 140, then those foods should prob'ly be limited or eliminated from your diet. Choose your menus from proteins, fats and the more fibrous vegetables & fruits. Avoid processed foods. Drink lots of water. I'm going to stop now before I get completely carried away . . .

But I'm glad to meet you - thank you for joining us, and keep us posted on your dr. appointment.

take care and visit often.

 

[Joshua Shorter]

Those are all very good reasons to see a dr. Hopefully it goes well for you.

 

[chhf]

Thanks for the info and support. I saw the doc/NP yesterday and was happy with my BP @ 120/78. And this morning I got tested for Lipid and Metab panel and will probably get the results tomorrow. The NP was very cool and seemed very focused on diet/exercise but was open to medications pending the results. I have a feeling that Lipitor is in my future. Not surprisingly, I am feeling better everyday just by limiting carbs.

"You are what you eat". I have heard that line all of my life and it is amazing the importance of our diet yet how easy it is to make bad choices. Fast food is cheap, convenient, and delicious.......damn it. Oh well, back to my berries and bran cereal.

I will keep you posted.

Thx again, CHHF

 

[chhf]

The results of my fasting bloodwork are in;

BS-115

cmp - "perfect"
lipid (total cholesterol) 236
tri - 135
hdl - 36
vldl-27
ldl-173

It looks like diet and exercise are the immediate issues. These results were given to me by the tech so my NP/MD may have other recommendations along with diet & exercise & getting tested again in a few weeks. Also, while my HDL and LDL need work, she said my liver and kidneys were fine.

Thanks again for the previous feedback and any thoughts regarding this info is welcomed.

CHHF

 

[Adjitater]

I am not a Doctor nor do I play one on TV but Methadone is a very powerful drug and could be the cause of all symptoms you have nentioned. Not a fact just a guess from some reasearch that I have done on methadone side effects. Good luck to you.

 

[luckyguy]

The results of my fasting bloodwork are in;

BS-115

cmp - "perfect"
lipid (total cholesterol) 236
tri - 135
hdl - 36
vldl-27
ldl-173

It looks like diet and exercise are the immediate issues. These results were given to me by the tech so my NP/MD may have other recommendations along with diet & exercise & getting tested again in a few weeks. Also, while my HDL and LDL need work, she said my liver and kidneys were fine.

Thanks again for the previous feedback and any thoughts regarding this info is welcomed.

CHHF

Welcome to the forum.

I am in a similar boat as yours. You dont mention A1C results. They should stay under 6.0...s ome would recommend even lower than that. My lowcarb-highfat diet has brought my weight down from 156 lb to 143 lb. And my A1C from 6.2 to 6.0. All my cholesterol levels are also in the normal range. My doctor has asked me to test every 3-4 months. You will get plenty of support on this forum.

Once again, welcome.