Prediabetes: Is Your Blood Sugar a Cause for Concern?

Is it prediabetes?

Hello Doctor, my father has diabetes.
Previously, for a health check-up, his fasting blood sugar was 149 after 12 hours of fasting.
The doctor mentioned that this might have been caused by not drinking water, which could have led to an increase in blood sugar.
Recently, he went to the clinic and his fasting blood sugar was 90, and his HbA1c was 5.4.
However, the doctor still classified him as prediabetic because his fasting blood sugar had previously exceeded 149 (which is above 126).
Based on the doctor's assessment, am I currently in the prediabetic stage? Is it possible that I am not in the prediabetic stage but suddenly have a fasting blood sugar exceeding 126? Thank you.

Xiao Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/16

Dr. He Yonghe reply Internal Medicine

Hello, Xiao Chen.
You have a family history, so you should regularly monitor your fasting blood glucose and HbA1C levels.
Additionally, maintain a controlled diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and drink plenty of water.
You can follow up at the outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2021/12/16

More Info

Based on the information provided, it appears that you are concerned about your blood sugar levels and whether you fall into the category of prediabetes. Your father's history of diabetes and your recent blood test results, including a fasting blood sugar of 90 mg/dL and a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.4%, suggest that you are currently in a relatively healthy range. However, the previous fasting blood sugar reading of 149 mg/dL raises some concerns.

To clarify, the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes include:
1. Fasting Blood Sugar: A fasting blood sugar level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

2. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): An HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% is indicative of prediabetes. A level of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Given your recent test results, your fasting blood sugar of 90 mg/dL is well within the normal range, and your HbA1c of 5.4% is also below the threshold for prediabetes. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that you are not currently classified as having prediabetes.

However, the previous fasting blood sugar reading of 149 mg/dL is concerning. This could have been influenced by several factors, including dehydration, stress, illness, or even the timing of your last meal. It is important to consider that a single elevated reading does not confirm a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes. It is essential to have consistent readings over time to make an accurate assessment.

In terms of your father's diabetes, it is important to recognize that family history is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. This means that you should be proactive in monitoring your blood sugar levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate your risk. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regular Monitoring: Since you have a family history of diabetes, it is advisable to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. This can help you catch any potential issues early on.

2. Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of refined sugars and processed foods, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

3. Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as this can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Weight Management: If you are overweight, losing even a small percentage of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

5. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood sugar levels and overall health. This is especially important given your family history.

In summary, based on your current test results, you are not classified as having prediabetes. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive about your health, especially considering your family history. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and open communication with your healthcare provider will be key in managing your risk for diabetes in the future.

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