HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Fasting Blood Sugar Value Of 85 A Cause For Concern?

default
Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: I am a high anxiety person. I have panic attacks. At any rate I got worried about my blood sugar for some reason. I got a tester. My fasting is always perfect like 85. I have lost some weight in the last few months because of worry of eating. This morning I checked my fasting and it was 85. I ate a piece of toast and drank an ensure. I tested one hour later and it was 185! Do I need to worry? Was that too soon to check? I know I sound crazy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
there is no sign of diabetes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

85 is perfect for a fasting measurement (as you've pointed out).
185 measured 1 hour after a meal is not ideal but it's not too high. I wouldn't worry with these measurements and I would recommend a yearly fasting measurement only.

If you're too worried though you can do an oral glucose tolerance test. This test consists of two measurements. The first is the usual fasting glucose measurement. After that you should consume 75 grams of glucose and repeat the measurement 2 hours later. Glucosylated hemoglobin can be helpful sometimes.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
Thank u i checked at 2 hours and it was already down to 141 so i guess im panicing over nothing? That means its fine right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it's not perfect but cannot diagnose diabetes

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome.
Although both 185 at 1 hour and 141 at 2 hours are not perfect and there's probably a tendency toward impaired glucose tolerance (called prediabetes), there is no data to document diabetes diagnosis. The oral glucose tolerance test may clarify this matter in a more definite way.

If you've got a family history of type 2 diabetes (your parents for example) then you should be more vigilant and check every year but also watch your body weight and physical activity levels.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
I have no family history at all. My weight is 130 and im 5 ft 4 in. I have just been sitting around this morning worrying. So now u think its bad?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no, it's OK, you just have to check it once a year

Detailed Answer:
Don't worry about it. An acceptable body weight and physical activity is the most you can do at this time. There is no need for drugs and there is no diabetes!
Just do the oral glucose tolerance test to confirm it! And it's definitely not bad!

Kind Regards!


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (51 minutes later)
Ok at three hours it was back down to 87 so thats good right? I can stop all this testing ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
87 is great

Detailed Answer:
Since you got that 185 in the 1st hour and a 141 in 2 hours, I would recommend doing the oral glucose tolerance test, just in case.
There is no real worry though...
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
I only get high when i drink the ensure with breakfast. Maybe i should not drink it with food too? So really u think i do not have diabeties?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
your values do not indicate diabetes

Detailed Answer:
Individuals with impaired glucose control will have high values particularly after eating carbohydrates. Your values do not indicate diabetes, but they may indicate a mild impairment in glucose control. This is not diabetes. In cases like yours the oral glucose tolerance test is indicated to identify "hidden" diabetes or to exclude it.

If you get a normal test then there is no reason to avoid drinking ensure or anything else...

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (19 minutes later)
Ok ty ... Im not sure u reassured me but i will try to relax
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
anxiety is hard to fight!

Detailed Answer:
I know... anxiety is hard to fight but looking at the data should reassure you! Your values do not fulfill the criteria of diabetes! I can't emphasize that more!

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Fasting Blood Sugar Value Of 85 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: there is no sign of diabetes Detailed Answer: Hello, 85 is perfect for a fasting measurement (as you've pointed out). 185 measured 1 hour after a meal is not ideal but it's not too high. I wouldn't worry with these measurements and I would recommend a yearly fasting measurement only. If you're too worried though you can do an oral glucose tolerance test. This test consists of two measurements. The first is the usual fasting glucose measurement. After that you should consume 75 grams of glucose and repeat the measurement 2 hours later. Glucosylated hemoglobin can be helpful sometimes. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!