How to Accurately Monitor Blood Sugar After Diabetes Remission

Diabetes issues

Hello Dr.
Chen: I have been suffering from diabetes for about 5 to 6 years.
My highest recorded HbA1c was 11.2, and my highest fasting blood glucose was around 250.
Recently, I have been actively losing weight, and my latest test results show an HbA1c of 5.8 and a fasting blood glucose of 90.
How can I more comprehensively measure my blood glucose to demonstrate that I am no longer a diabetic patient (although I understand that conventional Western medicine still believes that diabetes patients cannot fully recover)? Thank you.

tom, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/20

Dr. Chen Jianyu reply Internal Medicine

Diabetes is currently manageable but not curable.
Management methods include diet, exercise, and medication.
A hemoglobin A1c of 11.2 indicates poor blood sugar control, while a current blood sugar level of 90 and an A1c of 5.8 indicate good blood sugar control.
Therefore, there is no need to prove anything; simply continue managing blood sugar in the current manner and follow up regularly.

Reply Date: 2019/11/20

More Info

Monitoring blood sugar levels after achieving remission from diabetes is crucial for maintaining your health and preventing potential complications. It's great to hear about your progress in managing your diabetes, with a significant reduction in your HbA1c levels and fasting blood glucose. Here’s how you can accurately monitor your blood sugar and ensure you maintain your health:

1. Understanding Diabetes Remission
First, it’s important to clarify what diabetes remission means. According to the American Diabetes Association, remission is defined as achieving normal blood glucose levels without the need for diabetes medications. However, this does not mean that diabetes is "cured." It requires ongoing management and monitoring.

2. Regular Monitoring of Blood Sugar Levels
To accurately monitor your blood sugar levels, consider the following methods:
- Fasting Blood Glucose Testing: This test measures your blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours. It’s essential to perform this test regularly, ideally once a week or as recommended by your healthcare provider. A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is considered normal.

- Postprandial Blood Glucose Testing: This test measures your blood sugar levels 1-2 hours after eating. It helps you understand how your body responds to different foods. Ideally, your postprandial blood glucose should be below 140 mg/dL.

- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): If you want a more comprehensive view of your blood sugar levels throughout the day, consider using a CGM device. This device provides real-time glucose readings and can help you identify patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels.

- HbA1c Testing: Continue to monitor your HbA1c levels every 3-6 months. An HbA1c level below 5.7% is considered normal, while levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes.

3. Diet and Lifestyle Management
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for sustaining your blood sugar levels:
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Monitor your carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars.

- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with strength training exercises. Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and can lower blood sugar levels.

- Weight Management: Since you mentioned actively losing weight, continue to focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

4. Regular Check-ups with Healthcare Providers
Regular visits to your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring your overall health and managing any potential complications. Discuss your progress and any concerns you may have regarding your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may recommend additional tests or adjustments to your management plan based on your results.

5. Stay Informed and Educated
Educate yourself about diabetes management. Understanding how different foods, activities, and stress levels affect your blood sugar can empower you to make informed decisions. Consider joining a diabetes education program or support group for additional resources and support.

Conclusion
While achieving a normal HbA1c and fasting blood glucose level is a significant accomplishment, it’s essential to continue monitoring your blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular testing, a balanced diet, exercise, and ongoing communication with your healthcare provider will help you stay on track and reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Remember, diabetes management is a lifelong commitment, and staying proactive is key to your health.

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