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

question-icon

What Does My Blood Sugar Levels Indicate?

default
Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2015
Question: Hi,
I am 49, female. My father had Type 2 diabetes. My blood work showed 142 glucose fasting other than 1 brown rice roll of sushi 1 hour prior. Dr did not check inusulin however in past has always been lower than 2. Should I go for a glucose test? My A1C is 5.3.
Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Diabetes is defined on the basis of venous blood glucose levels.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for choosing HCM.

Noted your concern.

HbA1c of 5.3 is absolutely within normal limit.

You must have done blood glucose test by glucometer which comes 142 after having breakfast.

Glucometer measures capillary blood glucose which usually varies from venous blood glucose level.

According to XXXXXXX Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes is defined on the basis of venous blood glucose levels and not on the basis of capillary blood glucose or Serum insulin level.

As your father is diabetic, you are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, this risk further increases with -
- Over weight & Obesity Body mass index more than 25.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Lack of physical activity.

It is advisable in your case -
- To maintain healthy BMI of less than 23, if possible.
- Regular exercise at least 150 min of moderate degree physical exercise.
- Restrict calories and fat intake : Avoid fast, junk food.

Do OGTT (Oral Glucose tolerance Test) or HbA1c once in year to know variation in blood glucose levels for early detection of Pre-diabetes or Diabetes.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (54 minutes later)
I am not sure if it was capillary or venous. About 6 test tubes were taken from the inside of my arm - so I think it was venous. I had eaten small breakfast (1 egg on whole grain toast) at 7am, and at 1:00 had one small brown rice/fish sushi roll, and 2:00 blood drawn. My question is: is 142 high to have at any point? Also, my insulin is below 2, so this would not be Type 2 correct? As Type 2 has high insulin not low - correct? Hopefully I have neither type 1 or 2, but if anything would not it be type 1?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your blood glucose level is within normal limits.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question.

Your blood glucose level of 142 (which is a venous blood glucose) one hour after meal can be considered as within normal limits.

Yes, Serum insulin level is usually high in Type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance.

But Serum insulin level report always need to be interpreted along with corresponding blood glucose level.
Serum Insulin level alone may not helpful in interpreting diabetes.

Going through your details you neither have Type 1 nor Type 2 diabetes.

So, just relax, follow healthy lifestyle & monitor your blood glucose levels as suggested previously.

(regarding exercise: at least 150 min per week of moderate degree physical exercise is recommended. Sorry I forget to mention per week while answering previously.)

Hope this helps you.
You can close the question and rate the answer.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (2 hours later)
Thank you so much - I do feel relaxed now:) one other question: my chloride is 99 (low) can this indicate Addison's disease ? My sodium is Lowest number within normal range, same for potassium.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No it is not Addison's Disease.

Detailed Answer:
Low sodium, potassium & chloride won't denote Addison's Disease.

It may be due to simple dehydration.

In Addison's Disease there is low sodium with high normal or elevated potassium level.

So don't think of it.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 807 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
What Does My Blood Sugar Levels Indicate?

Brief Answer: Diabetes is defined on the basis of venous blood glucose levels. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for choosing HCM. Noted your concern. HbA1c of 5.3 is absolutely within normal limit. You must have done blood glucose test by glucometer which comes 142 after having breakfast. Glucometer measures capillary blood glucose which usually varies from venous blood glucose level. According to XXXXXXX Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes is defined on the basis of venous blood glucose levels and not on the basis of capillary blood glucose or Serum insulin level. As your father is diabetic, you are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, this risk further increases with - - Over weight & Obesity Body mass index more than 25. - Sedentary lifestyle. - Lack of physical activity. It is advisable in your case - - To maintain healthy BMI of less than 23, if possible. - Regular exercise at least 150 min of moderate degree physical exercise. - Restrict calories and fat intake : Avoid fast, junk food. Do OGTT (Oral Glucose tolerance Test) or HbA1c once in year to know variation in blood glucose levels for early detection of Pre-diabetes or Diabetes. Hope this helps you. Regards, Dr Abhay Mali. Diabetologist.