[Ronin]

Hi Sandmdc!

The diagnosis of Pre-Diabetic is, at best, controversial. The intent of adding this category to the growing realization that Diabetes is not a single condition, was to attempt to catch people before full blown diabetes manifests itself. The basic argument is largely from the Environmental Theory of Diabetes formation -- i.e., it is our lack of exercise, poor diet, et cetera that causes the onset of Diabetes.

Most of the advocates of the Pre-D Diagnosis thought this would sweep in a lot of young people before they began to display the syptoms of full blown diabetes. What actually happened is that a whole lot of people over 50 have been handed the diagnosis, and depending on their health care provider have either been told to change their diet, exercise more, and, in some cases, start taking medications.

To say that the diagnosis is controversial is to put the question mildly. Many Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetics have strong objections to the diagnosis calling it nothing more than "early-stage" diabetes. Perhaps that is true, however the environmentlaists beleive that, caught early, the onset of diabetes can be stopped. The Genetic Theory says that you may stall or delay, but never prevent the onset of the condition if it is in you genetic code.

All of this is why I am a strong advocate of testing more than just FBG levels. I think that the higher than 100 mg/dL reading must be confirmed with an HbA1c test. If the A1c says that you are in the diabetic mode or trending towards the upper end of the scale and are over 50, you should also have your C-Peptide tested to see if you are Insulin Resistant or if you have low insulin output because the regimine and treatment for Type-2 diabetes (the common presumption for adult onset high BG levels) is not the same as for people who have a pancreas that is shutting down or unable to produce sufficient insulin. Type-2 requires drugs to increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin while Type-1 or 1.5 requires supplamental insulin.

All of this verbiage has been summed up by one DF member's signature block which says "We don't have a stinkin' clue." To be sure, improving your diet and exercise will not harm you. However, treating the wrong condition can have serious consequences. Your body isn't managing glucose the way it should, but the question that must be answered is "why?"