Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Essential Checks and Monitoring for Pre-Diabetes

Q: Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Essential Checks and Monitoring for Pre-Diabetes

Hello： 1. <br>Follow-up every 1.3 to 6 months; if there are any abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. <br>If time permits, check HbA1c before and after meals, ideally twice. <br>2. <br>It is not necessary to check every time; the physician will determine the need

Regarding blood glucose levels?

Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old and 173 cm tall.
My weight has dropped from 60 kg to 55 kg in three months, and there is a family history of diabetes (my father and grandmother are both diagnosed patients).
Last week, I had my blood sugar tested, with results showing AC 108 and PC 146.
Later, I went to the hospital's metabolic department for further testing, where the results were AC 99, PC 146, and HbA1c 5.3.
All other tests for liver, kidney, cholesterol, and thyroid function were normal.
I understand that my blood sugar levels indicate prediabetes.
1.
I would like to ask how often I should go for check-ups given my situation.
Should it be every three months? Should the tests include fasting and postprandial blood sugar as well as HbA1c?
2.
Given my current values, should I also check my liver, kidney, and eyes during each visit?
3.
Do I need to buy a blood glucose meter to measure my levels at home? If so, how often should I measure? Should I measure fasting blood sugar in the morning, as well as postprandial levels after meals and before bedtime?
Thank you, Doctor.

Tiāntiān, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/10

Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine

Hello: 1.
Follow-up every 1.3 to 6 months; if there are any abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
If time permits, check HbA1c before and after meals, ideally twice.
2.
It is not necessary to check every time; the physician will determine the need based on the patient's condition.
3.
With the current values, there is no need to purchase a glucose meter; controlling diet and weight, exercising, and maintaining normal lifestyle habits are more important than having a glucose meter.

Reply Date: 2015/12/10

More Info

Managing blood sugar levels is crucial, especially for individuals with a family history of diabetes and those who may be at risk for pre-diabetes. Given your recent weight loss, family history, and blood sugar readings, it's important to establish a comprehensive monitoring and management plan. Let's address your questions systematically.

1. Frequency of Check-Ups: Given your current situation, it is advisable to have your blood sugar levels checked every three months. This frequency allows for timely adjustments to your management plan if necessary. During these visits, you should include fasting blood glucose (AC), postprandial glucose (PC), and HbA1c tests. The HbA1c test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, which is essential for assessing long-term glucose control.

2. Additional Health Checks: Alongside your blood sugar tests, it is prudent to monitor your liver and kidney function regularly, especially since diabetes can lead to complications affecting these organs. Eye examinations are also important, as diabetes can lead to retinopathy, which can affect vision. It is generally recommended to have an eye exam at least once a year if you are at risk for diabetes-related complications.

3. Home Blood Sugar Monitoring: Purchasing a blood glucose meter for home use can be beneficial, especially if you are concerned about your blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring can help you understand how your body responds to different foods and activities. If you decide to use a glucose meter, it is typically recommended to check your blood sugar levels at least once a day, particularly before meals and two hours after meals. This could include measuring fasting blood sugar in the morning, postprandial levels after lunch and dinner, and possibly before bedtime. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on your doctor's advice and your specific situation.

Additional Considerations:
- Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity is crucial in managing blood sugar levels. Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain a healthy weight.

- Weight Management: Your recent weight loss could be a concern, especially if it was unintentional. It's important to ensure that you are consuming enough calories and nutrients to support your overall health. If weight loss continues, consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

- Stress Management: Stress can also affect blood sugar levels. Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies can be beneficial.

- Education and Support: Consider joining a diabetes education program or support group. Learning more about diabetes management can empower you to take control of your health.

In summary, regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential steps in managing your risk for diabetes. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs.

Similar Q&A

Managing Prediabetes: Key Tips for Blood Sugar Control

Dear Dr. Hsiao, I had a fasting blood glucose level of 127 mg/dL at the health examination center. After two weeks of paying special attention to my diet and recording it daily, along with maintaining a routine of walking 10,000 steps three times a week, my blood glucose level w...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Here are the responses to your questions: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010, the following criteria are used: (1) Fasting plasma glucose level >= 126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours; (2) 2-hour plas...

Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and What They Mean

The patient discovered elevated fasting blood glucose levels ranging from 106 to 112 mg/dL through a family member's blood glucose meter. A subsequent hospital check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 107.1 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c level of 5.3%. Is this considered pr...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: Fasting blood glucose testing requires an 8-hour fast, with normal values ranging from 70 to 99 mg/dL. The normal value for hemoglobin A1c is below 6. For prediabetes, blood glucose levels are less than 126 mg/dL but greater than 100 mg/dL. In the case mention...

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Medicate

Hello, three years ago during a health check, I was informed that my blood glucose was on the borderline of diabetes, with a fasting blood glucose level of 108 mg/dL after fasting for 8 hours. Now, my self-monitored fasting blood glucose levels range between 103 and 125 mg/dL. Ov...

Dr. Chen Qingbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Huang: You likely have early-stage diabetes, and you need to manage your diet, engage in regular exercise, and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring.

Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring

Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevated. What should I pa...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...