Diabetes question

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

OK, so the other day for schits and giggles I asked a friend of mine to test my blood sugar. The reading was 5.6.

He told me this is still OK, but I read a lot of conflicting things on the net. What's the average it should be.

Oh FWIW, I didn't really eat yet, I did however have a few beers beforehand (we were waiting for the women who went to go grab a bite OK )

 

[Beachless]

I think you have to test it as you wake up without having had any food or drinks to get accurate results.

 

[Ekstasis]

You will feel when it's very low or too high. Test 15min after waking up. Normal blood sugar level range between 5 & 7, so don't be alarmed.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Cool, thanks.

I'm trying to start eating healthily, but I don't want to overdo it. As I walk to the office in the mornings I have to pass a fruit stall, so I usually buy 4 fruit (costs R5 for the lot) and consume it throughout the day in the office. Today its grapes, a naartjie, a plum and a pear.

Just don't want to get into a situation where instead of getting myself healthier, I get diabetes

 

[guest2013-1]

If you're not a diabetic, 5.6 is on the higher side of the scale. I'd say retest under better conditions to make sure. If you were diabetic already, 5.6 is fine.

 

[dj_jyno]

You didn't take a fasting reading and had a beer before the test, so it's still within acceptable limits. When I test it's usually between 4.2 and 4.6.

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

This is exactly what I'm talking about, conflicting info

On a more serious note I think I need to invest in one of these little machines. My dad has diabetes, so I'd rather adjust my lifestyle now while I'm still young then having to inject myself daily.

 

[Hosehead]

so I usually buy 4 fruit (costs R5 for the lot) and consume it throughout the day in the office. Today its grapes, a naartjie, a plum and a pear.

May as well have a Mars bar or a Bounty - I doubt there's a hell of a lot of difference in sugars

 

[medicnick83]

Normal levels are 3.5 to 7 mmol/L

If it goes higher, it's not a issue really, you just have to keep an eye on it.
If it goes below 3.5 - you might notice some changes, you tired, you weaker, lazy - that sort of deal, then you drink some 'fanta' or eat a chocolate and you feel "hundreds" again.

Does your family have a history of diabetes?

A very good place to 'learn' about Diabetes is YouTube! Hypoglycaemia and Hyperglycamea!

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

Does your family have a history of diabetes?

Nope, just want to be on the safe side

 

[Swa]

If your dad has to inject himself it's most likely type 1. That's genetic and lifestyle changes isn't going to prevent it. 5.6 is a good reading after a few beers. Anything up to 10 is actually normal after a high sugar load. A fasting test is only necessary if it's high and you're not sure it's because of sugar.

May as well have a Mars bar or a Bounty - I doubt there's a hell of a lot of difference in sugars

There's a big difference between refined garbage and natural. The fruit comes with fiber that slows down digestion and a lot of health benefits. The high fructose corn syrup they put in a lot of sweets are especially bad. Fruit has gotten a very bad rap because of people not knowing the difference between sugars when it's really what we should be eating.

 

[HavocXphere]

Useless result because you drank beer. Next time just flip a coin instead.

 

[Bracye]

Ive been type 1 Diabetic for 30 years this year. For us a reading between 5 and 7 is good. ideally 5-6. For a non diabetic 3-4 is ideal. If your sugar is low you start sweating and get extremely hot. Most diabetics dont wake up from a real low, so need to inject glucose. I used to, but my current insulin "wakes" me up. If your sugar is high then you get sleepy and really moody.

I wouldnt suggest eating just fruit. There is a lot of sugar in fruit, although eating them is good. Because you non-diabetic I would suggest asking for a healthier eating diet. And beer is a no-go. I'm not an expert on diets. Been through a few. Just eating healty (no takeaways or booze).

 

[bromster]

If you were diabetic with no medication, your sugar after eating would be well into the teens or even twenties. You are fine.